Santner and Phillips Spin Web Around India in Pune Test Thriller

Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips deliver a devastating spin attack, leaving India struggling at 107/7 by the end of the first session on day two of the second Test against New Zealand. India's batting falters as crucial wickets fall; they trail New Zealand by 152 runs.

Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips showcased a masterclass in spin bowling, forcing India into a precarious position at 107/7 by the conclusion of the first session on day two of the second Test against New Zealand, held at Pune's MCA Stadium on Friday.

India resumed the day at 16/1, with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal holding the crease. However, Santner's precision saw Gill trapped leg-before-wicket for 30, while Virat Kohli's struggles continued as his stay was cut short by a mistimed shot. An impressive catch by Daryl Mitchell added to Jaiswal's departure, leaving India teetering at 70/4.

The combination of Phillips and Santner effectively neutralized threats from Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan, dismissing them swiftly to deepen India's crisis. Ravichandran Ashwin's dismissal marked Santner's fourth wicket. Despite brief resistance from Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, India trailed New Zealand by 152 runs, with NZ having earlier posted a solid 259 mainly thanks to Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra half-centuries.

(With inputs from agencies.)