Tim Southee equals Virender Sehwag’s record
Southee’s milestone six, a powerful strike over backward square leg, marked his 91st maximum in Test matches, drawing him level with Sehwag’s tally achieved in 104 Tests
Tim Southee produced a blistering batting display against India on Friday, equalling Virender Sehwag’s tally of sixes in Test cricket. The former New Zealand captain achieved the feat during a crucial eighth-wicket partnership with Rachin Ravindra, who scored a magnificent century to propel the visitors to a commanding position.
Joining Ravindra at the crease with New Zealand precariously placed at 233 for 7, Southee unleashed a flurry of boundaries. The pair added 112 runs in a dynamic partnership, plundering 58 runs in the final four overs before lunch. While Ravindra smashed his second Test hundred and returned unbeaten for 104, Southee was not out for 49 off 50 balls.
Southee’s milestone six, a powerful strike over backward square leg, marked his 91st maximum in Test matches, drawing him level with Sehwag’s tally achieved in 104 Tests. Notably, Southee now sits ahead of Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who has 87 sixes in 62 Tests.
Ravindra, meanwhile, anchored the New Zealand innings with a masterful century, blunting a spirited Indian bowling attack led by Ravindra Jadeja. Resuming the day at 180 for 3, New Zealand found themselves losing wickets at regular intervals before Ravindra’s resilience steered them to 345 for 7 at lunch.
The left-hander, who has family ties to Bengaluru, showcased remarkable composure and technique. Initially focused on preserving his wicket against the probing Indian bowlers, Ravindra opened up his repertoire as the pitch eased out, showcasing his impressive strokeplay. He expertly navigated the spinners, employing both front-foot defense and decisive footwork to negate turn and the threat of leg-before dismissals. A towering six off Jadeja brought up his 94, and he reached 98 with a delightful drive through the covers.
Earlier in the day, Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj extracted greater movement and accuracy compared to the previous day, claiming a wicket apiece in a challenging first hour for the New Zealand batsmen.
