Tricky Martin takes five to leave India tottering

India 487 & 82-6 New Zealand 459

Chris Martin yesterday bowled superbly on an unhelpful pitch to demolish the India top order and leave the home side with a fragile lead of 110 with six wickets down in their second innings in the first Test in Ahmedabad.

India's hopes of a competitive lead rest with VVS Laxman, who combined with Mahendra Singh Dhoni to arrest a batting collapse as Martin, who finished with five wickets, reduced the hosts to 15 for 5 at one stage. At close of play on the penultimate day they were 82 for 6.

Martin dismissed Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Suresh Raina and captain Dhoni to rock the strong Indian batting line-up. Tendulkar got an inside edge on to his stumps attempting an expansive cover drive while Raina nicked one straight to Ross Taylor at slip for a low catch. Laxman and Dhoni added 50 for the sixth wicket before Dhoni dragged Martin on trying to defend a short-pitched delivery.

Earlier, Kane Williamson scored a century on his Test debut, and along with captain Daniel Vettori buoyed the New Zealand innings with an 86-run partnership for the sixth wicket.