India vs New Zealand WTC Final Highlights: India 146/3 as bad light forces early stumps on Day 2

Day 2 in a nutshell

Bad light highlighted the third session, frustrating the players, match officials and the fans alike as India finished Day 2 of the World Test Championship Final at 146 for 3 in Southampton. After a complete washout on Day 1, the proceedings on the second day of the marquee Test were curtailed due to poor light with only 64.4 overs of play taking place. India, who were put into to bat in overcast conditions, passed the test of patience and resilience as they showcased a solid batting technique, not allowing the New Zealand quicks to dominate in swing and seaming conditions. After a strong 62-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, it was the dynamic pair of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane that took on the fight, adding unbeaten 58-run for the fourth wicket. While Kohli (44*) inched closer to his 26th Test fifty, Rahane too looked solid during his unbeaten 29-run knock. Earlier, after a good first hour, Rohit and Shubman failed to convert their good starts into a big scores, getting out to Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner respectively. Cheteshwar Pujara was removed by a Trent Boult classical in-swinger at the start of the second session but the India skipper and his deputy ensured that the Kiwis pacers did no further damage to India's cause. The third session was marred by the stop-starts and the umpires had to eventually surrender to the weather gods.

Bad light plays spoilsport and that's stumps in Southampton!

Early stumps on Day 2

The umpires have been forced to call early stumps. They went for an inspection a while back, had a word with the ground staff and curator and then waited further. But they have eventually decided to call off the day as the light has not improved. A disappointing end to the day with just 64.4 overs of play taking place. So, India end the Day 2 at 146 for 3 with Virat Kohli (44) and Ajinkya Rahane (29) still unbeaten.

Umpires out for inspection

The two umpires are out for inspection are are having a word with the ground staff in the middle. The light seems to have dipped a bit further and unfortunately, further play looks unlikely. We might have an official word from the umpires soon.

The wait continues...

Still no word from the ground as we continue our wait for the light to improve. The entire area around the pitch has now been covered but that's just a precautionary measure. It still seems dark and we might have to wait a bit longer for the resumption of play.

The lightmeter is out | And players are walking off again

And, once again poor light has forced the umpires to halt the play in Southamption. This is really frustrating for the players as well as for the fans. Virat Kohli (44*) and Ajinkya Rahane (29*) walk back to the pavilion, followed by the New Zealand players. The umpires are still in the middle, discussing the situation. The hover cover is back on the pitch again.

NZ pacers continue to probe Kohli, Rahane

Another tight over from Trent Boult. Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee and Boult have been right on the money since play has resumed in the final session. But Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane too have been up for the challenge. Playing superbly against some quality swing and seam bowling. Runs have been hard to come by but both Kohli and Rahane are at it. IND 141/3 after 63 overs.

50-run stand between Kohli and Rahane

FOUR! A cracking pull shot from Ajinkya Rahane and the ball races to the fine-leg fence. A shot from a man in confidence. Short and drifted down the leg side from Tim Southee and Rahane wasted no time on that one. Got in position early and dispatches it to the fence. A crucial 50-run partnership also comes up between Rahane and Virat Kohli with that boundary. IND 138/3 after 59.4 overs

The players are back | Game is ON!!!

The play has started again in Southampton. The light has improved and the umpires have decided that the game can move on forward. Virat Kohli 40* and Ajinkya Rahane 22* are back in the middle. Kyle Jamieson is ready on his mark. IND 134/3 after 58.4 overs

Another interruption due to bad light

The pitch has now been covered

The umpires have now called in for the hover cover. The pitch is being covered by the ground staff. No sign of rain at the moment but still umpires taking precautionary measures. Virat Kohli and batting coach Vikram Rathour having a word with the third umpire in the balcony as well.

Bad light forces break again!!!

Bad light stops play for the second time today in Southampton. Umpires did not looked convinced with the conditions. The light dipped further since the players walks back after the Tea break. The umpires now have once again decided to halt the play. The players are moving back to the pavilion. IND 134/3 after 58.4 overs

Mesmerising from Rahane!!!

FOUR! Wide outside off from Neil Wagner and Ajinkya Rahane leans forward to drive. Finds the middle of his bat and the ball races to the cover fence. A boundary to end the first over from Wagner after Tea. IND 129/3 after 57 overs.

Post Tea session on Day 2 is underway!!!

Well, the bad light break was short as both teams and umpires have decided to go on with the match. The light looks fine at the moment!!! Virat Kohli (35*) and Ajinkya Rahane (13*) resume the post Tea session for India. Tim Southee has the ball in hand for New Zealand. IND 120/3 after 55.3 overs

Third session delayed!!!

Bad light has delayed the start of the third session on Day 2. The umpires are currently at the centre, taking the light measurements but it is not looking good. Unfortunately, the play once again has been delayed due to the weather

India, New Zealand continue to fight for advantage!!!

Day 2 second session in a nutshell

India lost the crucial wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara (8) as New Zealand took a slight edge in the second session on Day 2 of the WTC Final in Southampton. However, skipper Virat Kohli and his deputy Ajinkya Rahne held the fort with a 32-run unbeaten partnership as India got to 120 for three at Tea. Resuming on 69/2 after Lunch, Pujara and Kohli started of cautiously under lights as New Zealand pacers showcased some exceptional bowling display. Jamieson, in particular was brilliant as just did not allow the India batsmen to score any runs. Trent Boult eventually ended the resistance from the Indian pair, trapping Pujara in front. Kohli, at the other end, too looked pretty careful, getting to 35 off 94 balls before the break. Rahane's (18*) calmness too helped India's cause as they both ensured the Blackcaps were not able to do any further damage in the session. The lights deteriorated drastically just ahead of the break and the umpires eventually decided to take an early Tea on Day 2.

Bad light forces early Tea

The light has dramatically faded in the last 15-20 minutes and the umpires have decided go for the Tea break a bit early than the scheduled time. The artificial lights were on but was was still pretty much gloomy. Umpires offered the break to Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane and they have taken it. India get 120 runs on the board for the loss of 3 wickets after 2 sessions.

Wagner back into the attack

Just over 5 minutes to go for Tea and Kane Williamson has brought back Neil Wagner back into the attack. Looking for one wicket just before the break. Bouncer barrage of the cards? IND 118/3 after 54 overs.