Fourth day holds the fate of Ind-NZ Test

The third day of the first Test match between India and New Zealand belonged to the Kiwis as they finished the day at 331 for the loss of 5 wickets, just 156 runs behind the Indian first innings total of 487 runs.

It was the over-night pair of Brendon McCullum (65) and Ross Taylor (56) who continued to dominate the morning session before getting out at quick succession.

Indians had a brief moment of joy when the over-night pair got dismissed, but it soon perished as the other Kiwi pair of Jesse Ryder and debutant Kane Williamson added 194 runs to reach the team total to a comfortable position.

Ryder scored a brilliant century, as he scored 103 runs.

He hit 10 boundaries and an over boundary in his 103 runs innings, before losing his wicket to S.Sreesanth at the penultimate over of the day.

He was supported well by debutant Kane Williamson who remained unbeaten at 87 at the end of the day.

The Indian bowlers completely failed to gain much help on Saturday in a lifeless wicket.

The three Kiwi wickets that fall on Saturday were picked up by Harbhajan, Ojha and Sreesanth each.

With New Zealand batsmen giving a powerful fight back to the Indians, the morning of the fourth day will be a crucial session for both the teams to gain an edge over the other.