Another scintillating day of Test cricket at the Wankhede Stadium. If we leave aside what transpired in the last ten minutes on Day 1, India have been dominating in the third Test, somthing that wasn’t the case in the first two games. The Indian spinners weren’t finding ideal pace but oh boy, they have lit up this game. Ravichandran Ashwin, who went wicketless in the first innings, showcased why he is the best spinner of this generation by bringing India back in the game.
The first rays of sun had barely touched the pitch when Rishabh Pant launched his assault, unleashing three boundaries in the day’s first four deliveries. It was a statement of intent that set the tone for what was be a compelling morning of cricket for India.
Shubman Gill-Rishabh Pant with a match-changing partnership
The morning was all India, and honestly, it was the Rishabh Pant show from ball one. Three boundaries in the first four balls – that’s just Pant being Pant. The guy has this incredible ability to make Test cricket look like T20, and today was no different. His 60 off 59 was exactly what India needed, and the way he took on Ajaz Patel was pure entertainment. Though he did give a chance on 53 – Henry would want that catch back. Pant hit his fifty in just 35 balls, which is the fastest ever by any Indian against New Zealand in Tests. His eventual dismissal to Sodhi, trapped LBW, came against the run of play and would prove to be a turning point.
Shubman Gill’s grace!
And then there was Shubham Gill. Man, he’s looking more and more assured every time he walks out to bat. Although he missed out on a well-deserved hundred, that 90 was a proper Test match innings – solid defense, gorgeous drives, and some really smart batting. Just like Pant, even Gill was handed a reprieve when Mark Chapman dropped him when he was on 45.
Ajaz Patel continues his love-affair with Wankhede Stadium
But cricket’s a funny game, isn’t it? Just when everyone was thinking India would build this massive lead after lunch, everything went pear-shaped. What had promised to be India’s day transformed dramatically as New Zealand’s bowlers, led by the persistent Ajaz Patel, orchestrated a remarkable comeback. Patel’s fifth five-wicket haul wasn’t just about the numbers – it was about the way he kept probing, kept asking questions, and finally reaped the rewards. The Indian middle and lower order, perhaps caught between the temptation to extend the lead quickly and the need to bat time, crumbled.
Ajaz Patel, who wasn’t as threatening in Pune, brought back his best at his beloved Wankhede Stadium, where he now has 19 wickets at an immaculate average of 17.26 in just three innings.
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Washington Sundar the all-rounder
In the midst of the collapse, Washington Sundar’s composed 38 stood out. His clean striking, particularly against Ish Sodhi whom he hit for a boundary and a six, showed why he’s rated highly as an all-rounder. However, the run-out of Akash Deep, courtesy of a casual running between the wickets, was symptomatic of a session where India let their advantage slip. From a position where a lead of 100-plus seemed possible, India had to settle for just 27.
Ravichandran Ashwin show!
The Indian team came out all guns blazing in the third innings. Akash Deep fired in one straight to bamboozle Kiwi skipper Tom Latham. This led India go into the Tea break with their noses in front.
However, what was the most heartening part of the day was the return of Ravichandran Ashwin, who went wicketless in the first innings. Ashwin showed why he is considered one of the best Indian bowlers of all-time. When Rachin Ravindra came out with a positive intent and hit him for a four, Ashwin lopped one and got him stumped. Ashwin’s overtly celebration was just giving away how bad he needed that wicket. Prior to that, Washington Sundar continued his superb series with the ball, sending back Devon Conway.
Daryl Mitchell, who made 82 in the first inning, go to his work again. Along side Will Young, Mitchell frustrated the Indian bowlers and the duo put on another 50-run stand. Just when when New Zealand they would make a huge come back in the game, Ashwin took a splendid catch. He ran bag and grabbed superb take to send back Mitchell that boosted the moral of the entire team. It open the gateway for India to pick up more wickets, with Ravindra Jadeja also joining the party.
When Glenn Phillips hit Ashwin for a couple of sixes in four balls, the Tamilnadu born bowled one of the best balls of the match. Despite not fearing to get hit for another six, Ashwin pitched it up and it turned out to be a carrom ball that beat Philips all ends up.
Regardless, Will Young has been the thorn for India, scoring 50s is in both the innings. Before the series he wasn’t know to have a great game against spin, but Young showed his true character and has played a gem of a knock for New Zealand. But guess who ended his stay? Well, it was Ashwin, who took two wickets while using his carrom ball. At the end, 15 wickets fell on Day 2, with India in touching distance to win this Test.
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