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Xtra Time Web Desk: An unbeaten partnership of 58 runs between India captain Virat Kohli (44 off 124) and vice captain Ajinkya Rahane (29 off 79) saw India post 146/3 in a rain curtailed Day 2 of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final against New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl on Saturday.

Rohit Sharma (34 off 68) and Shubman Gill (28 off 64) gave India a solid start after being put into bat by BlackCaps captain Kane Williamson. The opening partnership between Rohit and Shubman yielded 62 runs. Both Rohit and Gill looked confident as they staved off the initial swing threat posed by the opposition pace attack before New Zealand fought back by removing the openers towards the end of the session.

As he often does, Rohit batted with an open stance to negate left-arm pacer Boult's trademark inswinger while Gill stood outside his crease to tackle Tim Southee's outswinger. There were times when Gill was not afraid to come down the track. The young Gill took a nasty hit on his helmet grill after Jamieson caught him by surprise with a sharp bouncer.

The lanky pacer was the one who provided the much needed breakthrough by having Rohit caught at third slip with Southee taking a terrific catch. Wagner soon sent Gill back in his very first over with the one angling away and straight into the hands of B J Watling, who had a brilliant day behind the stumps. Pujara did not last long either as he was leg before to Boult for 8 runs with the score reading 88/3.

As expected, Kohli was ready for the challenge posed by an all seam attack on an overcast day. He played late and close to his body, was happy to leave balls outside the off stump and cashed in on the slightest of scoring opportunities.  Rahane did not start convincingly but his feet movement and shot selection got better as his innings progressed. Three of his four boundaries came post tea.