"Even Santner looking Prime Vettori on these tracks" - Twitter reacts to left-arm spinner's memorable spell in 2nd IND vs NZ 2024 Test
New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner recorded his first-ever five-wicket haul with a brilliant bowling display during India's first innings in the second Test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium. The all-rounder troubled the Indian batters with his accuracy and pace variation and made the most of the spinning track on offer. Fans reacted to the spinner's spell on social media.
Santner was introduced into the attack early on Day 2, and he tested Shubman Gill to begin proceedings. The left-arm spinner was getting the ball to turn, while the oddball went along with the arm, keeping the batters in two minds. Santner trapped Gill LBW and castled Virat Kohli with a floated delivery to rattle India.
The spinner ran through the lower-middle order of Sarfaraz Khan, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja to complete his fifer. He then outfoxed Akash Deep with a slower delivery.
Fans had a lot to say about Santner's spell and the manner in which Indian batters faced him. Have a look at some of the reactions right here:
"Lag raha hai santner bhi retain hona chahta hai," one user wrote.
"Even Santner looking Prime Vettori on these Tracks," one fan remarked.
"India made santner look like bishen singh bedi," another fan posted.
Santner finishes with 7-33 as India fold out for just 156 runs in 2nd Test against NZ
The left-arm spinner brought an end to India's dismal attempt with the bat by trapping Jasprit Bumrah LBW for a duck. Much like Washington Sundar in the first innings, Santner also ended up with a memorable seven-wicket haul.
New Zealand are firmly in the driver's seat to end India's illustrious red-ball streak at home. The visitors have a massive lead of 103 runs and considering the conditions, the Men in Blue will need a miracle and a half to get out of this mess.
India will be looking to bowl out New Zealand as soon as possible in the second innings to have any chance of chasing the target while batting last on the tough wicket.