February 17, 2014
Brief Scorecard: New Zealand 192 and 440 for 5 (McCullum 228*, Watling 124, Neesham 67* ) lead India 438 by 325 runs
Iron men: McCullum and Watling now have the highest sixth-wicket partnership in Test cricket
February 17, 2014
Brief Scorecard: New Zealand 192 and 440 for 5 (McCullum 228*, Watling 124, Neesham 67* ) lead India 438 by 325 runs
Iron men: McCullum and Watling now have the highest sixth-wicket partnership in Test cricket
WELLINGTON: Captain Brendon McCullum (281*) and James Neesham (67*) took the New Zealand second innings score to 571/6 and the lead to 325 runs on the fourth day of the second Test against India at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Monday.
New Zealand have surged ahead thanks to the record stand between McCullum and Bradley Watling.
The match has turned from India being favorites to the home side calling the shots although the Indian batting line-up will fancy chasing down the total once New Zealand declare.
New Zealand just need to hold on to a draw to win the series.
New Zealand scored 319 runs for the loss of just one wicket on the fourth day of the Test.
McCullum and Neesham put up a 100-run stand off 138 balls to take New Zealand second innings lead over the 300-run mark.
McCullum reached his maiden score of 250 with a six off Mohammed Shami over square leg shortly before New Zealand crossed the 500-run mark.
Shami struck with the third new ball when he trapped Bradley Watling plumb in front of the wicket.
Watling's 124-run knock was studded with 13 boundaries.
Brendon McCullum and Watling reached the all-time highest sixth-wicket partnership record of 352 runs in the second over after tea.
McCullum and Watling broke the 351-run stand between Mahela Jayawardene and Prasanna Jayawardene that was made against India in Ahmedabad in November 2009.
Nothing went in India's favor in the second session of the day. Indian captain MS Dhoni tried bowling with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli but that didn't succeed either.
McCullum reached his double ton shortly after Watling scored a well deserved century to thwart India's push for a series-leveling win.
McCullum and Watling took the total past 400 and have combined for more than 300 runs since shortly after lunch on the third day when their side was in desperate trouble at 94/5.
They have already passed New Zealand's highest sixth-wicket partnership against India and are within sight of the record partnership for any wicket against them. Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder scored 271 for the fourth wicket at Napier in 2009.
The naturally aggressive McCullum curbed his attacking instincts and battled problems with his shoulder and troublesome back in taking his side to a six-run lead at stumps on Sunday.
New Zealand resumed at 252/5 with McCullum on 114 and Watling on 52 and faced very little penetration from the Indian attack on a wicket that has flattened out.
The New Zealand pair scored 56 runs in 13 overs in the first hour of play, before McCullum passed 150 when he hammered his 18th boundary off pacer Zaheer Khan to the cover fence and raised his arms to generous applause from the small crowd.
Courtesy: PTI
