'Worse than 46 total': Rohit Sharma-led India criticized for 'poor' approach against New Zealand in second Test

The Indian cricket team is battling to salvage the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. After conceding a huge lead of over 100, the Rohit Sharma-led side failed to undermine New Zealand's strong batting power in the second innings. After Washington Sundar's seven-wicket win helped India restrict New Zealand to 259, the home team managed just 156 in the first innings. Mitchell Santner opted for a seven-wicket haul for the visitors. India's batting, which collapsed for just 46 in the first innings of the first Test against New Zealand, was criticized by former New Zealand player Ian Smith.

“Well, that’s worse than 46 if you ask me,” Smith, a veteran of 63 Tests and 98 ODIs, said on air.

“This is poor shot and shot selection. I can understand the first Test, but instead of playing themselves and betting for time, India are going for the bowling for some reason. They think they can just thrash this New Zealand bowling line.” -up. This is only the second day of the test match. There's still a lot of time left, but the way India are playing, none of them will be here for that long.

Speaking of the game, New Zealand captain Tom Latham looked solid with his 37 not out as New Zealand extended their lead to 188 at tea after left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner's career-best performance of 7-53 on the second day scored and defeated India by 156 points in the second Test at the MCA Stadium on Friday.

After India conceded a 103-run lead, it was no surprise that they started with spin from both sides. But New Zealand were positive in their approach to batting – taking single shots to keep the scoreboard moving, using his feet well and pouncing on anything that gave him boundaries.

Latham's proactivity was evident from the moment he hit the cover drive, edging out Ravichandran Ashwin for two fours, followed by Devon Conway nailing a loft to the ground and sweeping it away to achieve a similar result.

Although Conway was stuck in a sweep off Washington Sundar, Latham and Will Young stunned with their display of reverse sweep, paddle sweep, conventional sweep and drives. But Young was caught in the crease by a straighter throw from Ashwin and trapped lbw.

With Latham and Rachin Ravindra looking solid, New Zealand are sure to extend their lead to a number beyond India's reach and will be firmly on course to hand the hosts their first home series defeat in 12 years.

With IANS inputs