India dominated the second day of the third Test against New Zealand, restricting the visitors to 171/9 at stumps. It was Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin's spin wizardry which troubled Kiwi batters and put India in a prime position to win the final Test and avoid series sweep. At the close of Day 2's play, Ajaz Patel remained intact on the crease with seven runs under his belt.
Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin's spin artistry on display
After taking a narrow 28-run lead in the first innings, Ravindra Jadeja continued his impressive form, claiming four wickets. He is now poised to potentially achieve another five-wicket haul. R Ashwin was no less as he kept the Kiwi batters in check with his three fer. India's bowling attack was relentless, capitalising on the challenging conditions. The hosts were bowled out for 263 runs in their first innings on the second day, but their bowlers quickly turned the tide in their favor.
Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill's fifties steady India's boat
Rishabh Pant's explosive batting dominated the morning session of the second day. He started the day with a flurry of boundaries, making the Test match feel like a T20 encounter. His quick-fire 60 runs off 59 balls provided India with much-needed momentum. His aggressive approach, particularly against Ajaz Patel, entertained the crowd. Pant's fifty came in just 35 balls, the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand in Test cricket. Unfortunately, his innings was cut short by a well-bowled delivery from Sodhi, which trapped him LBW. This dismissal proved to be a turning point in the match.
Shubman Gill's elegant batting display was another highlight of the day. He showcased his technical prowess with a combination of solid defense and elegant strokes. Gill's innings of 90 runs was a testament to his growing maturity as a Test batsman. He was unfortunate to miss out on a well-deserved century after being dropped by Mark Chapman on 45.
Ajaz Patel's brilliance at Wankhede
Ajaz Patel's affinity for Wankhede Stadium continues to flourish. Just when it seemed like India was set to build a substantial lead after lunch, the game took an unexpected turn. What initially appeared to be India's day quickly transformed as New Zealand's bowlers, spearheaded by the relentless Ajaz Patel, engineered a stunning comeback. Patel's fifth five-wicket haul wasn't merely a statistic; it reflected his relentless probing and strategic questioning of the Indian batsmen, ultimately leading to his well-deserved success. The Indian middle and lower order, perhaps torn between the desire to accelerate the score and the necessity of batting for time, faltered under pressure.
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After a less impactful performance in Pune, Ajaz Patel returned to form at Wankhede Stadium, where he has now claimed 19 wickets at an impressive average of 17.26 in just three innings.
Washington Sundar's well-composed 38
Washington Sundar's composed innings of 38 runs was a bright spot amidst India's collapse. His clean hitting, especially against Ish Sodhi, showcased his all-round abilities. However, a careless run-out of Akash Deep disrupted India's momentum. The team, which was poised for a substantial lead, had to settle for a modest 27-run advantage.
Akash Deep draws first blood for India
The Indian team made a strong start to their third innings, with Akash Deep dismissing Tom Latham early on. This set the tone for the day, and India went into the tea break with a slight advantage.
Ravichandran Ashwin, who had a quiet first innings, made a significant impact in the second innings. He showcased his skill and experience by trapping Rachin Ravindra leg-before-wicket. This wicket was particularly crucial for Ashwin, as it was his first of the match. His animated celebration reflected his relief and joy.
Earlier in the day, Washington Sundar continued his impressive form, dismissing Devon Conway to further strengthen India's position.
Daryl Mitchell frustrate Indian bowlers
Daryl Mitchell, who scored 82 in the first innings, was back at work alongside Will Young. Together, they frustrated the Indian bowlers, forming another solid 50-run partnership. Just as New Zealand seemed poised to make a significant comeback, Ravichandran Ashwin made a spectacular catch. He sprinted back to take a stunning catch that dismissed Mitchell, lifting the spirits of the entire Indian team. This breakthrough opened the floodgates for India, allowing Ravindra Jadeja to also join in on the wicket-taking. Glenn Phillips put Ashwin under pressure by hitting him for a couple of sixes in quick succession. However, the Tamil Nadu-born bowler responded brilliantly, delivering one of the best balls of the match. Despite the risk of being hit for another six, Ashwin pitched it up, delivering a well-executed carrom ball that completely beat Phillips.
On the other hand, Will Young proved to be a persistent challenge for India, scoring fifties in both innings. Before the series, he wasn't known for his prowess against spin, but Young showcased his skill with a remarkable innings for New Zealand. Ultimately, it was Ashwin who ended Young's stay at the crease, taking two wickets with his signature carrom ball. By the end of Day 2, 15 wickets had fallen, putting India within striking distance of victory in this Test.
