New Zealand 146-5 at tea on day 3 vs. India

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum shared a 52-run partnership with wicketkeeper BJ Watling to help the hosts reach 146-5 in the second innings on Sunday as they try to stave off defeat in the second cricket test against India.

McCullum twice survived near-dismissals to reach 44 not out by tea, while Watling was 24 not out.

India led by 246 runs on the first innings after reaching 438 in reply to New Zealand's 192. The hosts were reeling at 94-5 just after lunch on Sunday, but McCullum and Watling managed to steer them to tea without further loss.

India still holds a lead of 100 runs as it attempts to level the two-test series after losing the first test by 40 runs.

New Zealand added just 59 runs in the 30 overs between lunch and tea.

By the break, McCullum had batted for just over 200 minutes, facing 138 balls and hitting only four fours. He was dropped by Virat Kohli off the bowling of Mohammed Shami when he was 9 and again by Ishant Sharma when he was 36.

Had India capitalized on either opportunity, New Zealand's chances would have taken a significant hit with considerable work left to do to make India bat again. Even with McCullum and Watling gaining some momentum with their partnership, the hope of saving the match remains remote.

Corey Anderson was the only New Zealand batsman out between lunch and tea, caught by Ravindra Jadeja off his own bowling when he was 2 and New Zealand was 94.

Zaheer Khan had earlier done the damage at the top of the order, removing Peter Fulton (1), Kane Williamson (7) and Hamish Rutherford (35) to have 3-34 at tea.

Shami had 1-47 and Jadeja 1-24.