IND vs NZ: From Shreyas Iyer's dream debut to Axar, Jadeja wicket hauls, Kanpur Test in photos

Shreyas Iyer started off his Test career in style with a splendid century over the fresh surface of Day 1 and Day 2. He backed that up with a match-saving half-century in the 2nd innings on Day 4.

Kyle Jamieson proved the star on the opening day for New Zealand as the burly pacer went after India top-order when other NZ bowlers proved ineffective. 

Tim Southee (left) joined the party on Day 2 as he claimed a five-wicket haul while wiping out the Indian tail that carries the reputation of not giving up easy.

New Zealand opener Tom Latham turned out to be the vital cog for the visitors as he scored two half centuries in the match with crucial top-order stands in both the innings to keep Kiwis afloat in the match at all the time.

Axar Patel turned the game on his head on Day 3 with a fifer after New Zealand openers put the visitors in control with a big stand. The left-arm spinners efforts bundled out New Zealand for 296 in reply to India's 345.

Going into the match with his form in question and a flop show in the 1st innings, Wriddhiman Saha had more bad luck in store with a stiff neck. However, the determined 'keeper-batter tweaked his stance and produced a firework-filled half century in the 2nd innings to bail India out of trouble at 53/5 on Day 4.

Ravindra Jadeja (far left) almost took India to a thrilling final day win of the Kanpur Test before bad light played spoilsport. With the conditions in his favour, Jadeja retained a four-wicket haul after New Zealand gave themselves breathing space in the morning session.

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (far left) showed that he is far from over as he finished the match with a six-wicket haul while becoming the most successful off-spinner for India in the longest format; surpassing Harbhajan Singh's 417-wicket record.

New Zealand Indian-origin players Ajaz Patel (batting in the photo) and Rachin Ravindra grind out a draw for their side when the odds were heavily stacked against them with just a wicket left to survive the Test. The duo weathered the storm with a level-headed batting performance.