India will look for the right balance as they aim for a series-levelling victory against a spunky New Zealand in the must-win second Test.
New Zealand took charge on the second day of the third Test by dismissing England for 143 and making 136/3 at close of play for an overall lead of 340.
Kamindu Mendis maintained his red-hot form and struck a majestic 114 to power Sri Lanka to 302/7 on the opening day of the first Test.
Off-spinner Nishan Peiris picked up a six-wicket haul on debut as Sri Lanka crushed New Zealand by an innings and 154 runs.
Sri Lanka put themselves in a good position on the third day of the opening Test against New Zealand after Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal made half-centuries but the hosts lost some of their momentum to reach 237-4 at stumps in Galle on Friday.
India were in danger of suffering their first home test loss to New Zealand since 1988, despite Sarfaraz Khan's 150 and Rishabh Pant's 99, when the tourists bowled them out for 462 on the fourth day of their rain-interrupted series opener on Saturday.
The shirt is signed by the entire Black Caps squad.
Brydon Carse took six for 42 before England comfortably chased down their 104-run victory target in the first Test against New Zealand
Images from Day 4 of the first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's in London on Saturday.
Images from Day 5 of the ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand, at The Hampshire Bowl, in Southampton, on Tuesday.
England finally faced some resistance from New Zealand in the shape of Tom Blundell's defiant century but dismissed the Black Caps for 259 to wrap up a thumping 323-run victory on the third day of the second Test on Sunday.
Southee said the team has prepared well for the marquee Test against India
'So there was some good fight there and they got some rewards late in the day. So yeah, I think both teams will be pleased with their efforts.'
A turner in Pune exposed the soft underbelly of Indian batters' technique against slow bowling but as per the current team's philosophy, it has decided to take the bull by its horns by asking for a turner where the ball might turn at right angles from first hour.
Images from the T20 World Cup match played between New Zealand and Uganda in Tarouba, Trinidad, on Saturday.
At stumps on Day Four, New Zealand's second innings score read 62/2 and the visitors have extended their lead to 165 runs. For the Kiwis, Tom Latham (30*) and Neil Wagner (2*) are unbeaten at the crease.
India captain Rohit Sharma is confident that his team will bounce back from the eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the first Test in Bengaluru.
IMAGES from Day 4 of the first Test played between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, on Saturday.
India has only minor concerns, but New Zealand's troubles across batting and bowling departments are more pronounced.
One of the reasons why bowlers are rarely considered captains is because they are more susceptible to injuries than batters, argues Vishal Menon.
IMAGES from Day 2 of the 1st Test played between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, on Thursday.
Who do you think should be part of India's playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand?
New Zealand needed just an extended session to complete an innings and 276-run victory over South Africa in the first Test, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday, to register their first Test victory over the Proteas in 18 years.
Born in Wellington to parents hailing from Bengaluru, the mop-haired left-hander emerged as a big crowd favourite in India when he played for the Black Caps in last year's 50-overs World Cup and for Chennai in this season's Indian Premier League.
New Zealand's bowlers exploited the favorable conditions at the Wankhede Stadium, decimating India's top order in the early overs.
The tourists will be without batsman Kane Williamson in Bengaluru after the former skipper opted out of the opener due to a groin injury, while paceman Ben Sears was ruled out of the series with a knee injury and replaced by Jacob Duffy.
New Zealand on Monday named a strong squad, which includes five spin bowling options
Tim Southee admitted he was disappointed not to have played in Sydney but said he has moved on.
Leave behind past, need to focus on upcoming matches, says Tim Southee.
'Obviously, he's a guy who has scored 9,000-plus Test runs, which is pretty mind-blowing, but for us it was a huge wicket.'
Rachin Ravindra, the rising star of New Zealand cricket, has once again showcased his exceptional talent, guiding his team to a dominant position in the first Test against India.
They will need to bat the entire final day on a deteriorating Bay Oval pitch in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday to stop the hosts taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Seamer Tim Southee spearheaded a great fightback by New Zealand on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka to leave the match fascinatingly poised on Sunday.
A spectacular seven-wicket haul by Mitchell Santner helped New Zealand dismiss India for 156 before the tourists reached 198-5 at stumps on day two of the second test in Pune on Friday to tighten their grip on the three-match series.
Woeful India dismissed for 46 as New Zealand pacers run riot
New Zealand might be tempted to recall retired pacer Neil Wagner to the side for the second and final Test against Australia
The presence of a host of experienced batters and bowlers, Latham said, makes India a formidable opponent.
India are missing a couple of guys due to the injury but there are plenty guys who are talented and capable, Tim Southee said.
Images from the T20 World Cup Group C match between the West Indies and New Zealand in Trinidad on Thursday.
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