Ravichandran Ashwin's heroics help India draw against New Zealand

India's Ravichandran Ashwin has produced a match-winning performance with both bat and ball to help India draw the first Test against New Zealand in Kanpur.

Ashwin, who is known for his all-round abilities, scored a gritty half-century in India's first innings and then took six wickets in New Zealand's second innings to help his team salvage a draw.

India were in a spot of bother after being bowled out for just 299 in their first innings. In reply, New Zealand posted a mammoth 616, thanks to a double century from Tom Latham and a century from Will Young.

India then faced an uphill task in their second innings, but Ashwin's fifty helped them post a respectable 345. Ashwin then took three wickets in New Zealand's second innings to help India reduce the deficit.

On the final day, Ashwin took three more wickets to finish with match figures of 6 for 81. New Zealand were eventually bowled out for 235, leaving India needing to score 284 runs to win.

India lost a few early wickets but Ashwin's defiant knock of 32 not out helped them reach 151 for 5 at the close of play, securing a hard-fought draw.

Ashwin was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance. He said after the match that he was "proud" of his team's performance and that he was "happy" to have contributed to the draw.

The second Test between India and New Zealand will be played in Mumbai from 3rd December.