It turned out to be a monumental day of Test cricket as India came out on top to beat New Zealand in the second Test. In doing so India got their revenge on New Zealand after losing the World Test Championship (WTC) final in Southampton in June. The 372 run margin win in Mumbai is India’s biggest win in terms of runs in Test match cricket. Ravichandran Ashwin was adjudged ‘Man of the Series' for his 14 wickets in the series and contribution with the bat while Mayank Agarwal was adjudged ‘ Man of the Match’.
New Zealand batting no match to the Indian bowling attack
India were at their ‘A game’ having set a target of 540 runs to chase for New Zealand. New Zealand while chasing the target of 540 were hardly in the game as Indian spinners dominated them right from the word go. They lost constituent wickets in both innings as they were bundled out for 62 in the first innings while things were not different in the second innings. Daryl Mitchell showed some resilience in the second innings but there was no gas left in the tank for the Blackcaps.
Mayank Agarwal and Ravichandran Ashwin turn the screw for India
Mayank Agarwal was the hero for the Indian team with a hundred in the first innings as he smashed 150 in the first innings followed by 62 in the second innings. There were question marks on who will start as the openers for the team while India also struggled with injuries on Day 1. Mayank though showed his class and underlined his importance in the team.
While Ajaz Patel was enjoying the track with a 10-wicket haul, it was the Indian spinners magic that ultimately decided the contest. Ashwin took eight wickets in the match with four each in both innings. The former World Cup winner proved to be the decisive factor in the end as he demolished the opposition batting lineup.
Missing Kane Williamson
Captain Kane Williamson was not available for selection for the Kiwis as he sustained an elbow injury. The skipper's absence ultimately proved to be the decisive factor and was the missing piece in the puzzle for the Blackcaps. It will be back to the drawing board for them the team reflects on the performances. Their pace attack in Kanpur couldn’t replicate their magic in Mumbai while Ajaz Patel’s heroics were academic.
Ajaz Patel ends with bittersweet memories
Ajaz Patel wrote his name in the history book on Day 2 of the Mumbai Test as he became just the third man to take 10 wickets in an innings of a Test match. Ajaz joined Anil Kumble and Jim Laker in the club of bowlers to take 10 wickets in an innings.
Next for India is the delayed South Africa tour as the team prepares for the pandemic hit nation’s tour. India have also earned 12 valuable points in the WTC standings and are third in the standings. Players like Shreyas Iyer, Mayank Agarwal will have heads held high while there will be question marks on the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, but for now, India have a moment to endeavor.
