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New Zealand's veteran pacer Tim Southee made a significant impact with the bat in the ongoing Test series opener against India in Bengaluru. The 35-year-old impressed fans as he notched up his seventh half-century in the format, scoring 65 runs off 73 balls in his team's first innings.
Southee hit five fours and four sixes during his stay at the crease on Day 3 (Friday, October 18). He outscored India's first-innings total. The Men in Blue were bundled out for just 46 runs after electing to bat first, registering their lowest-ever total in home Tests.
Rachin Ravindra and Southee stitched together an important 137-run partnership for the eighth wicket, putting the visitors in a commanding position. The lower-order batter's knock ended in the 87th over after he was caught at covers by Ravindra Jadeja off Mohammed Siraj's bowling.
Fans took to social media to react to Tim Southee's exploits with the bat. Here are some of the top reactions:
Several fans lauded Southee for delivering with the bat, with some even suggesting that the seasoned campaigner seems to have regained his mojo after relinquishing captaincy.
"Tim Southee - kiwi super hero," wrote a fan
"Captaincy pressure gone and now we see Tim Southee bowling so consistently around 135 hitting good areas and contributing with the bat as well," commented another.
"Insane positive switch in Southee’s performance after giving up on captaincy pressure. Finally clapping for him," chimed in yet another.
During his knock, Southee surpassed former Indian opener Virender Sehwag in the list of most sixes in Test cricket. Sehwag hit 91 sixes in his Test career, and Southee now has 93 maximums to his name in the longest format.
Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee's partnership helps New Zealand register 402 on the board
The onus was on the Indian bowlers after the hosts were bowled out for 46 in their first essay. However, the New Zealand batters did a commendable job, with opener Devon Conway leading the charge with a 91-run knock.
Rachin Ravindra was the top performer with the bat for the touring party, scoring 134 runs. Ravindra and Tim Southee's 137-run stand helped New Zealand swell their lead past 350.
The Blackcaps were ultimately bowled out for 402, claiming a huge 356-run lead over India. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav picked up three wickets each, while Mohammed Siraj bagged two scalps.
