Rohit Sharma (82) and Wriddhiman Saha (39 not out) built a timely partnership of 103 in the final session of the day's play to take India to 227/8 at the end of Day Three of the second Test, held in Kolkata. New Zealand could muster only 204 in their first innings, as Indian pacers, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar (5/48) handed the hosts a significant lead, which stretched to 339 at the close of play.

The Indian batters' technique was severely tested as Kiwi pacers Matt Henry and Trent Boult posed questions on and outside the off-stump. Among the top order batsmen, only skipper Virat Kohli (45) managed to get a respectable score. India was tottering at 106/6 when Sharma and Saha teamed up at the crease.

Sharma curbed his attacking instincts drastically to play one of his finest knocks while local boy Saha supported him well at the other end. Now, with two full days of play left, it is India who appear to have an advantage in the Test match.