McCullum double ton puts New Zealand in control

McCullum double ton puts New Zealand in control

Brendon McCullum smashed a double century as New Zealand reached an imposing 473-7 at lunch on the second day of the first Test against India on Friday.

Brendon McCullum of New Zealand celebrates his 200 runs during day two of the international cricket Test match between New Zealand and India played at Eden Park in Auckland on February 7, 2014

The New Zealand skipper progressed from his overnight 143 to 202 and was closing in on his career best 225, also set against India, in November 2010.

He received strong support from Corey Anderson (77) and Tim Southee (28) as they bludgeoned the Indian attack, adding 144 in the session. Ish Sodhi was not out 18.

After New Zealand resumed the day at 329-4, McCullum and Anderson added a rapid 55 in under 10 overs as India persevered with short-pitched deliveries.

It is a bowling attack New Zealand has used with potency in the past, but Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma did not generate sufficient pace to be effective and were punished accordingly.

McCullum, who has been at the crease for just over seven hours and faced 280 deliveries, has belted 28 fours and three sixes.

Anderson was also in belligerent form as he moved from his overnight 42 to his half century with two boundaries, and continued to find the ropes with 13 fours and a six in his 77 before being removed by Ishant Sharma to end a 133-run stand with McCullum.

Sharma, India's most impressive performer with the ball, also removed BJ Watling for one to have figures of four for 122.

His strike-rate was damaged by firing down too many short balls. He peppered Southee in one over with the first delivering a catch in slips but it was a no ball, the second hit Southee on the body and two others were pulled for six.

Southee was eventually bowled by a fuller length delivery from Mohammed Shami who has one for 93. Khan has two for 132.

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