NEW DELHI: New Zealand pacer Matt Henry was all smiles as he appeared for the post-match show at the end of Day 2 of the first Test at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Henry tore through the Indian batting lineup, claiming a five-wicket haul to help New Zealand bowl India out for just 46 — their lowest-ever Test score at home.
Henry’s remarkable figures stand out as one of the most economical five-wicket hauls by a New Zealand pacer in India.His performance joins an elite list of Kiwi fast bowlers excelling on Indian soil.
Henry’s feat follows Tim Southee’s 7/64 in Bengaluru (2012), Dion Nash’s 6/27 in Mohali (1999), and Richard Hadlee’s 6/49 at the Wankhede (1988).
“Was a great way to start the day. The way we’ve continued as well has been really pleasing. We were hopeful. There was a lot of grass taken off, we tried to apply pressure for as long as we could,” Henry told broadcasters at the close of play on Day 2.
Henry dismissed Sarfaraz Khan (0), Rishabh Pant (20), Ravindra Jadeja (0), R. Ashwin (0), and Kuldeep Yadav (2), with excellent support from William O’Rourke at the other end, who took four wickets while conceding just 22 runs.
“The key is just worrying about what you can control. For me, it was about working on my game and taking the opportunities that I got. Every time you come back here (India), it’s a great place to play. All those experiences help. It was great to get out there today. The game being affected by rain, it’s important to have a day like this. It’s usually really difficult here and it’s about carrying on in the same way,” Henry added.
New Zealand ended the day at 180/3 in response to India’s 46 all out, with Rachin Ravindra (22) and Daryl Mitchell (14) unbeaten at the crease.
