(UTV | INDIA) – India captain Virat Kohli kept New Zealand at bay but more bad weather blighted the second day of the World Test Championship final in Southampton.
After the entire first day was washed out, only 64.4 overs were possible on day two with India ending 146-3.
Put into bat in gloomy, bowler-friendly conditions, openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill made a dazzling start, only to fall in quick succession for 32 and 28 respectively.
India were 88-3 when Cheteshwar Pujara was out lbw to Trent Boult but Kohli held firm against the Black Caps’ all-seam attack with a watchful 44 not out from 124 balls.
Kohli, cheered on by a crowd reduced in numbers but heavily in his side’s favour, continued through two stoppages for bad light but a third at 16:50 BST, and subsequent rain, prevented further play.
Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane accompanied Kohli to the close with a more expansive 29 not out.
The frustrations of the weather interruptions are at least countered by the option of a sixth, reserve day for this showpiece final.
The winners will be crowned the first Test world champions but if no result is a possible the two teams will be named joint winners.