World Test Championship final: Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson headline Blackcaps' stellar day against India in Southampton

Devon Conway passes 50 in the World Test Championship final.

The Blackcaps have fought back to claim honours on day three of the World Test Championship final against India in Southampton. 

New Zealand reached the close of play on day three at 101/2, trailing India by 116 runs with eight wickets in hand at the Ageas Bowl.

A five-wicket haul to Kyle Jamieson and another half-century to the impressive Devon Conway (54) gave the Blackcaps the day's honours. 

Captain Kane Williamson (12 not out) and Ross Taylor (0 not out) will resume the New Zealand's innings on Monday night (NZ time), with the Blackcaps in search of a sizable first-innings lead.

After a half-hour delay due to a wet outfield, the Blackcaps struck early to start day three in style and roared right back into the contest after India finished day two at 144/3.

Jamieson led New Zealand's charge, taking the key wicket of Indian captain Virat Kohli for 44. Kohli had batted India to a strong position on day two but fell without adding to his overnight score. Jamieson wasn't finished his morning's work though, dismissing Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant for six, caught behind by Tom Latham at slip for four.

Ajinkya Rahane resumed on 29 and worked his way to 49 before he fell one short of a half-century. After a pull shot off Neil Wagner landed safely, Rahane fell into New Zealand's trap when he gave Latham another catch and was sent on his way one short of a valuable fifty.

From 144/3 after day two, India had slipped to 182/6 on the morning of day three. 

Ravichandran Ashwin counter-attacked with 22 from 27 balls to bring up India's 200, but he too fell in the morning session - edging Tim Southee behind to Latham at 205/7.

Kyle Jamieson appeals against Virat Kohli. Photo credit: Image - Getty

The only blemish of the morning came when Southee dropped the dangerous Ravindra Jadeja on 11, unable to hang on in the slips cordon off the bowling of Trent Boult - as India reached the break at 211/7.

After lunch, Jamieson struck twice in two balls removing Ishant Sharma for four, caught at slip by Taylor, and Jasprit Bumrah for a golden duck to complete a five-wicket haul - his fifth in just eight tests for New Zealand.

Jadeja was the last man out, caught behind after gloving Trent Boult behind to BJ Watling for 15 as India were all out for 217. Jamieson was the pick of New Zealand's bowlers, finishing with figures of 5/31 from 22 overs.

In reply, New Zealand's opening partnership of Latham and Devon Conway started the Blackcaps' innings watchfully.

Batting out the rest of the afternoon session, Latham and Conway ensured the Blackcaps reached tea without any losses - entering the final session at 36/0.

The openers reached their 50-run stand in the evening session, taking 159 balls with both Latham and Conway adding 25 apiece.

But after drinks in the final session, Latham became the first New Zealand batsman to be dismissed, as he spooned a catch to Kohli off the bowling of Ashwin, and had to trudge off for 30 with the Blackcaps at 70/1.

Joined by Williamson, Conway batted on to score the first half-century of the match, reaching his second test fifty from 137 balls, with six boundaries to his name.

India though was able to strike before the close of play, removing Conway for 54, flicking Ishant to Shami at mid-off, bringing Taylor to the middle.

The 37-year-old survived two balls in fading light before the umpires brought play to an end for bad light.

Both batsmen will resume their innings when day four begins on Monday night.

Join Newshub from 9pm Monday for live updates of the World Test Championship final between the Blackcaps and India.

 

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