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IN PHOTOS: India vs New Zealand, Auckland Test (Day 1)
Captain Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson rallied New Zealand with centuries, after the loss of three early wickets, to put them in a strong position at the end of the first day in the first Test against India at Eden Park, Auckland, on Thursday.
McCullum was unbeaten on 143 at close of play, registering his eighth Test century in the process, while Williamson was dismissed after tea for 113, his fifth Test hundred, as the hosts ended the day well-placed on 329 for four.
IN PHOTOS: India vs New Zealand, Auckland Test (Day 1)
Earlier, in the morning session, after India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won his sixth successive toss on the tour and put New Zealand in to bat, Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan had the hosts on the backfoot by striking early and claiming the wickets of Hamish Rutherford, Peter Fulton and Ross Taylor.
In the process, Ishant attained a personal milestone. He reached the 150-wicket mark when he dismissed opener Rutherford for 6.
With the scoreboard reading 30 for 3, captain McCullum and Williamson worked towards damage control.
IN PHOTOS: India vs New Zealand, Auckland Test (Day 1)
The pair combined excellently in a 221-run partnership as New Zealand went on to dominate proceedings in the post-lunch session.
Williamson and McCullum then added 125 runs in 27 overs in the second session.
The Indian bowlers attacked in a bid to take wickets, but gave away runs easily considering the short boundaries.
IN PHOTOS: India vs New Zealand, Auckland Test (Day 1)
Williamson and McCullum went on to complete solid hundreds after tea.
In the 58th over, McCullum hit Ravindra Jadeja down the ground for his first six to reach his hundred in style. He got there in 135 balls, smashing 16 fours in the process.
Two overs later, Williamson first brought up their 200-run partnership and then his own hundred off 138 balls, cashing in on a dropped chance when on 32.
Too many dropped catches also added to India’s woes, McCullum being the benefactor on three occasions.
IN PHOTOS: India vs New Zealand, Auckland Test (Day 1)
Following the dismissal of Williamson by Zaheer, McCullum continued in his attacking vein and quickly put on another 50 runs with new batsman Corey Anderson, as the score crossed the 300-mark in the 82nd over.
All-rounder Anderson was unbeaten on 42 with McCullum at close of play.
Ishant and Zaheer took two wickets each.