Cricket: Kohli left to rue catch that could have ended it

Virat Kohli of India. Photo / Getty Images

Had Virat Kohli been more alert when a catch came his way just before lunch, this test may well have been over last night.

Instead, when Brendon McCullum jabbed a Mohammed Shami delivery to Kohli's left at shoulder height at short mid on, the fielder casually stuck out one hand and spilled the chance.

Given that New Zealand were 78 for three at the time - and shortly after 94 for five - pivotal didn't seem the appropriate word to apply to the moment.

By stumps, however, it had assumed significant proportions. McCullum went on and on through the afternoon, found a conscientious ally in BJ Watling and the cumulative effect of the miss, and another by Ishant Sharma - a sharp return catch at 36 - plus the odd close shave means this test is very much still alive.

If India sat back and expected things to continue unravelling after Corey Anderson's weak dismissal just after lunch they were unprofessional. McCullum and Watling had other ideas.

There has been a noticeable resolve in the New Zealand collective since the start of the home international summer.

Yesterday it was as if McCullum and Watling determined this would not be a time for folding while they still had a playable hand.

McCullum, seemingly troubled by a shoulder problem, eschewed some of his more expansive strokes and kept his concentration; Watling was watchful, scurried hard between the wickets and was an admirable foil.

For the third time this summer, McCullum raised his bat for a century, and you sensed he loved the way he got it; a slammed six over long on off Sharma.

However, the bottom line was a determination to firstly push into a fourth day today; secondly have India batting a second time; and by stumps begin thinking of what today holds.

Orange is Watling's colour - from his distinctive batting gloves to bat handle to colours on his bat - and he appeals as a player who thrives in situations of adversity.

This was old-fashioned test batting - the middle session produced just 59 runs. When they came together, you could feel a strong sense of disappointment around the ground. A fine summer would end on a low.

It still might today. But the spirit of the captain and his wicketkeeper has, at the least, set up fascinating prospects today.