The big news: New Zealand bowlers make intent clear

India failed to capitalise on a good batting wicket as they were struggling at 239/7 at the end of the first day’s play in the second Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand as he took 3/35 to leave the Indian batsmen struggling on a pitch that had extra bounce and pace in it.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan continued to struggle as he was bowled for 1 by Henry. Dhawan was called in place for KL Rahul, who missed the match owing to injury. India were struggling at 57/3 when Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane put on a 141-run partnership to lead India’s comeback. Pujara fell for a well-played 87 followed by Rahane on 77.

Other top stories

  1. The Board of Control for Cricket adjourned its scheduled Special General Meeting in Mumbai to Saturday on technical grounds. The meeting had been called to discuss the reforms suggested by the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha panel and with its adjournment, the Indian cricket body has effectively missed the first deadline (September 30) to implement the Lodha panel's recommendations.
  2. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has asked the International Cricket Council not to club India and Pakistan in the same group in international tournaments. BCCI president Anurag Thakur said that the decision was made owing to the recent terror strike on Uri and India's retaliation across the Line of Control.
  3. Australia were beaten by six wickets by South Africa in the first One Day International at Centurion on Friday. The host, who won the toss, decided to bat first and reached 294/9 after a strong partnership between George Bailey (74 from 90) and John Hastings (51 from 56). However, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock (178 from 113 balls) hit a brilliant century to power his team to victory.
  4. Pakistan continued their fine run against the West Indies as they beat them by 111 runs in the first One Day international at Sharjah. Babar Azam's maiden ton took Pakistan to 284/9 and then the spinners completed the job by bowling West Indies out for 175.
  5. With the series drawn at 1-1, Afghanistan have the chance to register their first series win against Bangladesh at home, if they win the third One Day International on Saturday.