Guptill, McIntosh take New Zealand to 159/2(Tea report)

HYDERABAD - Martin Guptill and Tim McIntosh struck half centuries to guide New Zealand to 159 for two at tea on the first day of the second cricket Test against India here Friday.

Guptill (85), who survived a dropped chance and was once caught off a no-ball in the morning session, was finally dismissed lbw by Pragyan Ojha at the stroke of tea.

The right-handed batsman hit nine fours and one six in his 160-ball knock.

At the break, McIntosh was batting at 55 and Ross Taylor on 4.

Guptill and McIntosh were involved in a 147-run stand for the second wicket after the early loss of Brendon McCullum (4), who was caught by wicket-keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni off S.Sreesanth.

In the morning session, New Zealand openers survived a probing spell of fast bowling from Sreesanth after Daniel Vettori decided to take first strike on a track that offered bounce and movement.

The Kerala speedster extracted appreciable swing, helped by overcast conditions.

Sreesanth continued to be impressive after lunch too, but was unlucky not to get wickets.

Guptill and McIntosh grew in confidence after lunch. Guptill used his feet well against the spinners, often sending them to the boundary.

McIntosh was content playing the second foil, taking his time in the middle. He struck five fours in 151 balls.