Kohli and Rahane perform superb rescue

The experience of India batsmen Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane shone through on day one of the third Test against New Zealand, as they reached 267 for three at stumps in Indore.

The hosts were in trouble on 100 for three after lunch, when Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed for 41, but the veteran pair put on a stand of 167 in response.

Kohli added to his century records just before the close, reaching his ton off 184 balls, while Rahane ended the day on 79 not out.

India had won the toss and opted to bat at Holkar Stadium, making its debut as a Test venue, and were soon a man down when Murali Vijay fell to Jeetan Patel for 10.

Veteran opener Gautam Gambhir, playing in his first Test in three years, did alright upon his return, but was only able to make 29 before being trapped LBW by Trent Boult.

Pujara was his usual steady self as he and Kohli added 40 more runs to the score, before Mitchell Santner bowled Pujara in the afternoon.

This left the skipper and Rahane to see out the rest of the day, and both scored patient half centuries at strike rates below 55.

Kohli was on 103 at the close, while Rahane had accumulated 79 off 172 balls. India have won the series, but want the whitewash to keep Pakistan far away from the ICC nuber one ranking.

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