The floodlights give a greater sense of occasion. Our players in this theatre-in-the-round are surrounded by the most baying audience you will ever see. Still Nehra, his medium-pace not coming on to the bat, meaning Anderson is struggling to time it. New Zealand might be on to something with their three spinners, but they need a decent score first.

Ashwin has a slip for left-hander Anderson, who will burst out of his shirt if he ripples any more. Mid-on left open for a single as the TV pictures show me a close-up of a pitch that looks more like a slab of the M6 than a piece of turf. Quieter from the Black Caps, who decide that discretion is the better form of valour.

Francis Edwards: Not assessing conditions, brainless shots, start of a collapse. Are we sure this isn't England playing the first game?

The biffers keep coming for the Kiwis, with the brick hithouse Corey Anderson joining skipper Williamson. I can't put into words how loud it is in Nagpur. They are having a right old knees-up.

Ebony Rainford-Brent
Ex-England batter on BBC Test Match Special

"Colin Munro got the width so he'll be disappointed with that. He didn't quite set his base and just caught the bottom edge. New Zealand need to ease off - they can't afford to lose another."

Theo Bowyer: I'm assuming that because we are in India there is no review system? Surely it should be for the ICC to decide?

Ashish Nehra, remember him? The left-armer, now 36, is sharing the new ball, staring at Menro when he flays and misses. Nagpur is throbbing....

Jon Michael Poole: Well that was a boring start wasn't it?..

Ebony Rainford-Brent
Ex-England batter on BBC Test Match Special

"This is what we're here for! Wickets, sixes all over the park. I was really taken by surprise by Ravi Ashwin's bowling too."

If it's like this for the next three weeks, I'm going to end up on a drip. First over - two sixes and a wicket that shouldn't have been. New Zealand have walked into the pub, found the landlord, tipped a pint over his head and kissed his wife. 

I think we've seen the way New Zealand are going to go. Second ball, new man Colin Munro reverse-sweeps Ashwin for another six. Guptill, by the way, was unlucky. That lbw was going over the top.

Ebony Rainford-Brent
Ex-England batter on BBC Test Match Special

"Martin Guptil did well going straight with the first ball but there he's not just reaching the sweep. Just after hitting one so sweetly down the ground, surely you've got to go for the same again - it was there to be hit."

NZ 6-0published at 0.1 overs

0.1 overs

Fetch it! A six first ball! Gutpill plays through the line and sends it back down the ground for a maximum. Game on...

Ravi Ashwin has the ball. Spin to win. Play.

India, in their sky blue, are roared to the middle. Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill, in black trousers and mostly gold tops, follow behind. Guptill, mentored by Martin Crowe, was very emotional before the game.