Mumbai Test : Points & Pride
The 3rd and final Test Match of the Ind-NZ Series got underway at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, with the onus on India to salvage vital WTC points and ofcourse lots of pride.
Bumrah’s Absence Surprising
I was surprised by Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. He is India’s spearhead and the Vice Captain too and with the Australian series still a good three weeks away, I felt, he should have played. In an important match for India, the best team should have taken the field.
READ IPL 2025 Retention Highlights: Full List of Retained Players
Ish Sodhi Gets A Game
On the Kiwis side Tim Southee and the hero of the Pune Test Mitch Santner were replaced by Ish Sodhi and Matt Henry. Tom Latham won the toss and as expected decided to bat.
A Difficult Pitch But Kiwis Reach 235
The weather was humid and hostile and pitch was not an easy one either. The moment the spinners arrived, there was bite, bounce and spin on offer. However, the resilient Black Caps survived, not to be mauled by Jadeja, Ashwin, Sundar or the weather. They did lose wickets but Will Young and Daryl Mitchell fought bravely and ensured Kiwis reached a respectable though a not great 235.
READ Matthew Wade Retires, Joins Australia’s Coaching Staff
Exceptional Jadeja and Sundar Shine
Jadeja got a Fifer again, bowling splendidly. He beat the bat in every over. He squared up the right handers with his brilliant line, length and the turn away from the batters defense. Most times he was unplayable. Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips were castled by brilliant deliveries from Jadeja. Sundar too carried his form from the Pune Test. He bowled superbly too and snared 4 wickets, though Daryl Mitchell got after him a bit, at the end. It indeed was a fine performance by the spin duo in restricting NZ to 235 runs.
Rohit Goes Early…Yet Again
Rohit Sharma is having a horrid time with the bat and yet again he perished after a decent start. Matt Henry accounted for him. A length ball outside the office stump kicked up a bit, but Rohit played an unusual shot. He neither left it or played on the off side. Instead he closed the face of the bat to half pull towards mid-wicket. The ball took the edge as the bat closed, ballooned to the slip cordon for Latham to take an easy catch.
READ Bangladesh Capitulate As South Africa Win Big
Gill-Jaiswal Steady The Ship, But India Lose The Plot in 15 Minutes before Stumps
Gill and Jaiswal then steadied the innings with Ajaz Patel giving them a torrid time. Gill was lucky to survive, but Jaiswal gave it away, by attempting an unnecessary reverse sweep to a harmless ball. He missed, the ball sneaked through and made a mess of the stumps. Siraj walked in next as the night watchman. He too missed the ball that gripped, came with the arm and turned a shade. Caught plumb and given out he burnt a review too. Walked in Kohli next and of all people ran himself out while attempting a needless run. Matt Henry at mid-on firing a powerful throw to beat Kohli at the non strikers end. India from 78/1 slipped to 84/4 in no time.
The Day Levelled Out
The three quick wickets to fall at the fag end of Day 1, showcased a strong comeback by the Kiwis to level out the day in no uncertain terms.
The Match Very Much In The Balance
The match is in the balance and the first session tomorrow is an extremely critical session for both teams. Whosoever dominates the first two hours may have the upper hand in the Test Match.
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in
Visit Sports FACTory Youtube Channel