Ashwin tightens grip on New Zealand

AFP, KANPUR: Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed three wickets to have New Zealand reeling on 93 for four at stumps Sunday as the hosts tightened their grip on the first Test.
New Zealand were still 341 runs behind their mammoth target of 434, with Luke Ronchi (38) and Mitchell Santner (8) battling on in India's 500th Test.
The pair put on 37 for the fifth wicket to steady New Zealand's innings somewhat after the visitors were reduced to 56 for four.
Ronchi, who has hit four fours and one six during his 58-ball stay, played positively to tackle the spinners on a turning track.
Ashwin rocked the New Zealand innings in his second over when he sent openers Martin Guptill and Tom Latham trudging back to the pavilion.
An unlucky Guptill got an inside edge onto his pads to be dismissed for a duck, with the ball lobbing into the hands of Murali Vijay at short leg.
The left-handed Latham, who scored a gritty 58 in the first innings, was trapped lbw for two when playing for the off-break that did not turn.
Ashwin then got the prized wicket of captain Kane Williamson for 25, derailing New Zealand's chase at Kanpur's Green Park.
It was Ashwin's 200th Test wicket in his 37th match, making him the second fastest player to the total. Australia's Clarrie Grimmett raced to 200 wickets in 36 games.
But more than records, Ashwin had victory on his mind as India eyed an early lead in the three-match series.
The visitors slipped further when Ross Taylor was run out for 17 by Umesh Yadav's direct throw from deep mid-wicket, which hit the stumps at the non-striker's end.
Ronchi and Santner then held the fort until close of play to take the fight into the fifth and final day.
India declared their second innings on 377 for five at tea with Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja putting on a 100-run unbeaten partnership for the sixth wicket.

Ashwin tightens grip on New Zealand

AFP, KANPUR: Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed three wickets to have New Zealand reeling on 93 for four at stumps Sunday as the hosts tightened their grip on the first Test. New Zealand were still 341 runs behind their mammoth target of 434, with Luke Ronchi (38) and Mitchell Santner (8) battling on in Indias 500th Test. The pair put on 37 for the fifth wicket to steady New Zealands innings somewhat after the visitors were reduced to 56 for four. Ronchi, who has hit four fours and one six during his 58-ball stay, played positively to tackle the spinners on a turning track. Ashwin rocked the New Zealand innings in his second over when he sent openers Martin Guptill and Tom Latham trudging back to the pavilion. An unlucky Guptill got an inside edge onto his pads to be dismissed for a duck, with the ball lobbing into the hands of Murali Vijay at short leg. The left-handed Latham, who scored a gritty 58 in the first innings, was trapped lbw for two when playing for the off-break that did not turn. Ashwin then got the prized wicket of captain Kane Williamson for 25, derailing New Zealands chase at Kanpurs Green Park. It was Ashwins 200th Test wicket in his 37th match, making him the second fastest player to the total. Australias Clarrie Grimmett raced to 200 wickets in 36 games. But more than records, Ashwin had victory on his mind as India eyed an early lead in the three-match series. The visitors slipped further when Ross Taylor was run out for 17 by Umesh Yadavs direct throw from deep mid-wicket, which hit the stumps at the non-strikers end. Ronchi and Santner then held the fort until close of play to take the fight into the fifth and final day. India declared their second innings on 377 for five at tea with Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja putting on a 100-run unbeaten partnership for the sixth wicket.