Fri Oct 18 06:41:56 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand bowlers strike early as India falter in Bengaluru Test
**Bengaluru, India:** A disastrous start has plagued India in the first Test against New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. After winning the toss and opting to bat first on Day 2, India found themselves in a precarious position at 10/3 after losing early wickets.
The hosts could have been even worse off had wicketkeeper Tom Blundell held onto a regulation catch off Rishabh Pant. Pant, on 7 at the time, edged a delivery from William O’Rourke but Blundell inexplicably dropped the chance, much to the amusement of fans on social media.
The Kiwi pace attack, aided by helpful conditions, was the dominant force in the first session. Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and William O’Rourke each took a wicket, removing Rohit Sharma (2), Virat Kohli (0), and Sarfaraz Khan (0) respectively.
The first day of the Test was washed out without a ball being bowled due to rain. The match is now poised for an exciting battle as India seeks to recover from their early stumble and New Zealand aims to capitalize on their strong start.
First Piper 