Tim Southee (Photo Source: BCCI)
Veteran New Zealand pacer Tim Southee wrote his name in the history books after he equaled former India opener Virender Sehwag, hitting more sixes than him in Test cricket. Southee achieved the feat during the eighth wicket partnership with Rachin Ravindra in the first Test against India in Bengaluru.
Southee came out to bat when New Zealand found themselves on a score of 233 for 7. The pacer instantly went to work and attacked India’s bowlers right from the get-go. The duo managed to score 58 runs in the final four overs before lunch, with Southee unbeaten for 49 off 50 balls.
However, it was in the first innings where Southee broke the record of Virender Sehwag’s Test sixes. Hitting his 91st six, Southee equalled the tally of Sehwag who hit 91 sixes in 104 Test matches. He then took his tally to 92 in Bengaluru while surpassing the Indian veteran’s record. In doing so, the New Zealand pacer also surpassed India skipper Rohit Sharma who has 87 sixes in 62 Tests.
New Zealand continues to dominate India in Bengaluru
Speaking of the ongoing clash in Bengaluru, the first Test of the series began terribly for team India. Coming in to bat first after winning the toss, India’s batting attack failed to go big. None of the batters except Rishabh Pant crossed the 20-run mark, with five batters departing for a duck.
In the first innings, India was bundled out for an embarrassing score of 46 runs, and in response, New Zealand was able to pile on the pressure against the hosts with a good performance with the bat.
By the end of day 2 of the clash, New Zealand found themselves on a score of 180 runs with the loss of three wickets. After Devon Conway’s knock of 91 runs, Rachin Ravindra went on to complete his century with Tim Southee putting in an excellent performance with the bat. By the time of lunch on day 3, New Zealand found themselves on a score of 345 runs with the loss of seven wickets.