Ashwin stars as Black Caps struggle

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Ravichandran Ashwin completed a five-wicket haul as India closed on victory in the first Test against New Zealand on a rain-affected third day at Hyderabad.

Ashwin took three further wickets to end with 6-31 as the Black Caps were dismissed for 159 in response to India’s 438.

Ravichandran Ashwin completed his third Test five-wicket haul as India edged towards victory against New Zealand at Hyderabad

Pragyan Ojha then grabbed an early scalp as New Zealand followed on, trapping Martin Guptill lbw before rain brought an end to proceedings.

James Franklin was tasked with leading his side’s riposte at the start of the day, yet instead could only watch on as wickets tumbled at the other end.

The tourists got off to the worst possible start when Kruger van Wyk, attempting a pull, was pinned in front by an Umesh Yadav delivery that kept low.

Doug Bracewell briefly impressed in making 17, but was stumped off Ojha attempting to up the ante.

After getting rid of Jeetan Patel caught and bowled, Ashwin then wrapped up the innings by having Trent Boult snaffled at short-leg and bowling Chris Martin off successive balls.

All the while, Franklin - having added 12 to his overnight 31 - watched on.

Guptill and Brendan McCullum initially defended stoutly second time round, with the former appearing well set in striking Ojha for successive off-side fours.

The opener enjoyed some good fortune off the next delivery, Virat Kohli shelling a chance at second slip, but did not last much longer.

Indeed, left-arm spinner Ojha got his man, trapping Guptill - padding up - leg before prior to heavy rain ending proceedings.