Ashwin and Ojha help India gain upperhand in first Test

New Delhi: Indian spin duo R Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha accounted for five New Zealand wickets to put India in a strong position on the second day of the first Test in Hyderabad on Friday.

The Kiwis who earlier showed signs of comeback in the match by dismissing five Indian batsmen in the post lunch sessions ended the day on 106 for 5. James Franklin (31*) and Kruger van Wyk (0*) were on the crease with Kiwis still trailing by 332 runs.

With a huge mountain to climb, New Zealand started off nicely with their opener Brendon McCullum in his usual took the attack to the bowler. McCullum quickly raced off to 22 with the help of three fours and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni made a surprise bowling change and brought in Ojha.

The plan did wonders for the team as Ojha flighted the ball and McCullum trying to dispose it over the covers played it straight at the hands of Virat Kohli.

It was then all down to Ashwin who with his disciplined bowling scalped three quick wickets to put the Black Caps in a spot of concern With Kane Williamson and James Franklin on the crease, they started playing cautiously and were happy to rotate the strike and hit the occasional boundaries, but then just ahead of the stumps Ojha struck back and dismissed Williamson.

New Zealand staring at a follow-on requires 133 to make India bat again.

Earlier in the match, India who started with an overnight score of 307-5 were dismissed for 438 thanks to some good bowling by Jeetan Patel in the afternoon session. Jeetan Patel took four wickets as whereas Trent Boult took three wickets.

Pujara who started the day on 119 went on to score a brilliant 159 before being dismissed by Patel. He hit 19 fours and a six. He was well supported by skipper Dhoni who scored 73 with the help of six fours and a six. Ashwin also chipped in with useful 37 including five fours.