Washington bags seven as India bowl out NZ for 259 in Pune

Indian spinner Washington Sundar claimed a career-best 7/59 on day one of the second Test against New Zealand, putting the home side in a solid position heading into Friday in Pune.

The off-spinner’s haul took New Zealand from 3/197 to 259 all out, leaving India trailing by 243 runs at stumps after captain Rohit Sharma was bowled early.

Washington’s inclusion was a surprise for many, with Rohit only announcing at the toss that the 25-year-old would replace Kuldeep Yadav in India’s starting XI.

Having won the toss and opted to bat first on a pitch that promised to break up later in the Test, New Zealand made a strong start through openers Tom Latham (15) and Devon Conway (76).

The pair weathered the initial pace attack before Latham fell in the first over of spin to Ravichandran Ashwin.

Conway steadily built with Will Young (18) and then Rachin Ravindra (65), taking the score through to 2/138 before he edged through to Rishabh Pant off Ashwin.

Ravindra looked assured as well as the Black Caps seemed on target for a healthy first-innings score.

But when Washington produced a pearler to beat Ravindra’s defence and catch his off stump, the flood gates opened.

Seven Kiwi wickets would fall for just 62 runs, with the late inclusion taking all of them to bundle the Black Caps out midway through the final session.

“The way it came through, fact that I wasn’t part of the first Test and I was called for this particular Test and given the opportunity to play in the XI, I was really grateful to the coach and captain,” Washington said.

“Unbelievable feeling.

“I just focused to hit the particular areas, changed my pace here and there, just really grateful.”

Needing to survive a nervy 11-over period before stumps, India lost Rohit for a duck to a brilliant ball from Tim Southee that shaped away late and crashed into the Indian captain’s off stump.

Both Shubman Gill (10*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (6*) scored slowly but maintained their wickets to ensure they will begin the day’s play on day two.

Cricket bookmakers have only marginally adjusted their outright odds after Thursday’s action.

BetOnline has India at -500 to win the Test, down from -357.14 pre-toss.

New Zealand’s odds to win have also shortened, sitting at +375 after starting the match at +475.

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