Mitchell Santner’s sensational bowling performance in Pune, where he took a career-best 7/53, also earned him a place in New Zealand cricket history. He claimed his maiden 5-wicket haul in Tests after having played 54 Tests, which places him among the New Zealand bowlers who took the most number of wickets before achieving their first 5-wicket haul.
Most wickets before maiden 5-wicket haul in Tests (New Zealand):
- John Reid – 63 wickets
- Richard Collinge – 61 wickets
- Mitchell Santner – 54 wickets *
- Bevan Congdon – 51 wickets
- Tony MacGibbon – 50 wickets
Santner’s remarkable consistency in line and length, along with his clever use of pace variations, tormented the Indian batting lineup and put New Zealand in a commanding position in the ongoing Test match.