Satisfying...

Ahmedabad Test day 3

It may not make a difference to the result of the test or the series, but this was one of New Zealand's best days of test cricket for a long time. I say this because the four players at the wicket today- three of whom have been roundly criticised for the losses in Bangladesh - finally accomplished between them what we all thought was beyond a kiwi side; a gritty, patient, accumulating and ultimately successful day of batting against a testing attack. And they did it without Daniel Vettori (though I can't help but imagine Vettori was somehow pulling strings in the background!)

The pitch offered some turn of the slower variety and the bounce was low but not unpredictable, which worked in favour of the batsmen. But before the they could enjoy the benefits, it was a a difficult trial by spin for Ryder and the debutant Williamson - particularly during those six overs before lunch with all those fielders around the bat, circling them like vultures. It was, as one of the commentators put it, an examination. They passed it, enough said. It seemed like one long day of penance to atone for the sins of the Bangladesh tour.

Initially Taylor and McCullum did the hard work and looked like getting on top of the spinners, before the carelessness set in (top stumping from Dhoni, incidentally). At that point you started to believe all that talk of enforcing a follow-on, but once the rehabilitated Ryder and KW got in they were immovable. I think I'm getting to really like Williamson's signature backfoot punch-drive, which he employed to great effect against the spinners. As for Jesse, he picked his spots today and unveiled hitherto unseen powers of concentration. The middle order needs him, sober or otherwise.

India still hold the upper hand, but the way the pitch is playing and considering neither captain is likely to force the issue, a draw looks most likely. Amazing given we all expected one-way traffic. NZ must get through at least a session-and-a-half to feel secure about their position. Before that comes, here's hoping we see the debutant get his century. Go Williamson!