New Zealand fights back to restrict India to 185-4 at tea

KANPUR, India (AP) New Zealand took three wickets after lunch to restrict India to 185-4 at tea on day one of the first test on Thursday.

After taking the decision to bat first amid overcast skies and swing-friendly conditions, India looked comfortable at 105-1 but then lost three wickets for 33 runs in the 11 overs before tea.

After the loss of K.L. Rahul for 32 in the morning session, Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara added 112 runs for the second wicket before spinner Mitchell Santner had Pujara caught and bowled for 62 in the 49th over.

That brought Virat Kohli to the crease with India 154-2 and a loud cheer from the Green Park crowd, but his stay was short. The Indian captain was caught at short leg for nine runs, trying to pull a bouncer off Neil Wagner.

Vijay was the third wicket to fall in the session when, in the last over before the break, he was caught behind off Ish Sodhi as the ball held its line after pitching. New Zealand reaped the rewards for bowling tight lines and executing their plans with good field placements.

Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma were looking to keep the score ticking along after tea.