Bowler Trent Boult has taken three late wickets to swing the opening Test match against India in New Zealand's favour.

After winning the toss in Nagpur, India started well and moved past the 150 mark for the loss of just one wicket as both Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara recorded half-centuries.

However, after they fell for 65 and 62 respectively, New Zealand began to seize control of the first day and the top six batsmen had returned to the pavilion when Mitchell Santner picked up one of three wickets to dismiss Rohit Sharma.

With seven overs of the day left, India had reached 261-6 but in the closing stages, Boult began to cause havoc with the second new ball to quickly reduce their hosts to 291-9 at the close of play.

Ravichandran Ashwin produced an important knock of 40 but India will know that they have under-performed and face a battle to remain ahead of the Kiwis by the end of the first innings.