500* - A Test Of Time: A befitting comic book to commemorate India's landmark 500th Test

A promising duet cut short

KL Rahul, who had made his name as a classical batsman in the domestic circuit, set the ball rolling by unleashing a flurry of strokes to leave the Kiwis perplexed. However, the classy right-hander’s eagerness to follow the ‘aggressive’ brand of cricket preferred by his skipper resulted in a lapse of concentration.

However, the ever solid pairing of Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara combined together to eke out a resolute partnership for the second wicket.

When it seemed like the ship was sailing smoothly, Mitchell Santner managed to lure Pujara into a half-hearted nudge and the 112-run stand got broken just as it threatened to blossom further. The crowd did not mind one bit since their favorite batsman would have to arrive imminently.