1st Test: Day 1- Lunch 105/1(31) Pujara 34, Vijay 39. A good solid Session for India

For all the finger-pointing that was made on India, and on the nature of pitches, Kanpur has provided a fine first session of Test cricket. There isn't much for the fast bowlers, it's too slow - you expect that in this part of the world - but there wasn't wild turn or freakish bounce.

India's 500th Test began with Virat Kohli winning his fifth toss in a row at home. KL Rahul and M Vijay made a positive start, but Mitchell Santner bowled a quick one, with considerable undercut, to break the opening stand. Since then Cheteshwar Pujara, with his intelligent footwork has shut the door on New Zealand's hopes for more wickets. The visitors haven't bowled badly - Mark Craig was beautiful with his line and his drift. They'd just have to be a bit more consistent. Six balls in one spot to build pressure. That's what R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja would be expected to do later.

"What was all the fuss about Pujara's strike rate. I reckon at the end of the series he will be the one will highest strike among India's top six. I state my conclusion with an assumption that Kiwi's will continue to play the spinners they have today :P" Rakesh points out how New Zealand may have gotten a touch carried away with spin. Only nine overs of seam, and none against Pujara, who has been known to struggle against quick and straight deliveries.

Some lunch time reading then: Contractor c bottom b Davidson - Former India captain Nari Contractor recollects his favourite day of Test cricket. A Chepauk counterattack, a Melbourne heist and a Lord's first feature in this instalment of India's best Test wins.