India struggle in reply to NZ\\\'s 503

AUCKLAND, Feb 7 (AFP): India were struggling at 130-4 after day two of the first Test against New Zealand, who posted a daunting 503-run first innings built on a double century by Brendon McCullum.

In a dramatic start to India's reply, New Zealand claimed the prized scalps of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli in a withering burst from Tim Southee and Trent Boult that reduced the tourists to three down for only 10 runs.

When Rohit Sharma (not out 67) and Ajinkya Rahane (not out 23) began to rebuild the innings as spin was introduced in fading light, New Zealand orchestrated an early end to the day's play by threating to bring the pace attack back.

"Our swing and seam bowlers are our best option so it seemed a bit silly to try and persevere with our spinners when there's still a bit in the wicket," captain McCullum said after play was halted 17 overs early.

"I thought it would be better to bring them (Boult and Southee) back which obviously forced us off the field.

"What it means is we've still got a hard ball in the morning. Hopefully we'll get some overcast conditions and it will suit both Tim and Trent again."

Pujara, who averages 66.25, went for one and Shikhar Dhawan a duck as both fell in the opening over when they edged good-length deliveries from Boult.

Kohli's sole scoring shot was a four off Boult before a sharply rising bouncer from Southee nicked his glove and popped into the hands of Peter Fulton at second slip.

India 130 for 4 (Rohit 67*, Boult 2-20) trail New Zealand 503 (McCullum 224, Williamson 113, Anderson 77, Ishant 6-134) by 373 runs.