Styris sees off Dravid to put Kiwis in charge

India 161 New Zealand 53-1

A fine first day for New Zealand finished with the hosts on 53 for 1 in reply to India's 161 all out in the first Test here yesterday. The Kiwi bowlers attacked India in fine style and only Rahul Dravid, who made 76, one of five batsman to reach double figures, made a significant contribution. Dravid was ninth man out, bowled by Scott Styris who finished with 3 for 28.

Mark Richardson and Lou Vincent, the New Zealand openers, then set about reducing the deficit on a tricky batting wicket. Vincent, though, edged a leg-side Sanjay Bangar delivery to wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel for 12 leaving Richardson (27 not out), and captain Stephen Fleming (11 not out), to guide New Zealand to the close.

"Dravid batted very well and dug in," Fleming said. "He was the difference between them having a real disaster of an innings and getting to 160. He gave us a good lesson on how to bat on a pitch that is helpful for the bowlers."