Thaindian News

Hyderabad, Nov 15 (IANS) Brendon McCullum struck a half-century as New Zealand took a nine-run lead over India at tea on the fourth day of the second cricket Test here Monday.

New Zealand were 131 for one in their second innings with McCullum batting on 73 and Martin Guptill 4.

The visitors, who were 37 for no loss at lunch, lost the wicket of McIntosh (49) in the second session when Pragyan Ojha had him caught by Cheteswar Pujara at short leg.

McIntosh, who struck six fours and one six in 126 balls, and McCullum were involved in a opening partnership of 125 runs that saw off the deficit of 122 runs.

McCullum hit seven fours and one six and looked good for a century.

Earlier, Harbhajan Singh became the first No.8 batsman to score consecutive centuries in Test cricket and guided India to 472 in the first innings.

Harbhajan remained unbeaten on 111 and with S. Sreesanth (24) added 105 runs for the last wicket as India took a 122-run lead.

Resuming at 436 for nine, Harbhajan and Sreesanth lasted 10 overs to add 36 runs in the first hour of the day. Harbhajan, who was unbeaten on his overnight score of 85, hit a massive six off New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori to move from 91 to 97.

Harbhajan then completed his second Test hundred with a single down to deep fine leg off Tim Southee, sparking wild celebrations.