In a riveting morning of Test cricket in Mumbai, Washington Sundar emerged as the protagonist for India, delivering a crucial spell that maintained equilibrium between the hosts and New Zealand. This third Test encounter saw New Zealand opt to bat first. The decision seemed justified when the visiting team got off to a reasonably steady start despite losing opener Devon Conway early. Their innings was anchored by Tom Latham, who contributed 28 runs, and Will Young, who remained unbeaten on 38. Together, Latham and Young built a promising 44-run partnership for the second wicket, hinting at potentially setting a challenging total. However, Sundar’s entry into the bowling attack turned the tide significantly.
From his very first deliveries, Sundar exercised control over the New Zealand batters, displaying excellent spin and trajectory, which troubled the batsmen considerably. The off-spinner quickly altered the dynamics of the game when he initiated a breakthrough by dismissing Tom Latham. Sundar’s precise delivery deceived Latham, as he misjudged it—playing down the wrong line. This miscalculation disrupted the stumps, thus disturbing the burgeoning New Zealand partnership. Bolstered by this success, Sundar’s grip tightened on the match. A few overs later, Sundar showcased his skill again, targeting Rachin Ravindra. The delivery was similar to the one that dismissed Latham—a drifting ball that straightened post-pitch, leaving Ravindra unable to negotiate it. The loss of a key player like Ravindra gave the Indian side a much-needed reprieve, leveling the field after New Zealand’s promising start.
Will Young, another New Zealand batter, demonstrated resilience by holding the fort.
. Alongside Daryl Mitchell, Young ensured that the loss of wickets did not turn into a collapse, managing to keep further damage at bay as the first session concluded.
The absence of Jasprit Bumrah, a critical component of India’s bowling attack, due to illness, shifted responsibility significantly to the young bowling duo of Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. In the initial overs, it was Akash Deep who rose to the occasion, taking charge and prying an early breakthrough by trapping Devon Conway leg before wicket. Despite the initial facilities being limited for the seamers, owing to the lack of swing in the air, Akash Deep utilized the subtle movement created by the leftover moisture on the pitch to his advantage. His probing line warranted Conway’s dismissal within the maiden 30 minutes of play, paving the pathway for Sundar’s eventual heroics.
While Ravichandran Ashwin, another seasoned spinner, played his part, he did not pose much threat initially. Ashwin’s deliveries failed to thoroughly test the New Zealand batters in the early part of the session, allowing Latham and Young to find their rhythm comfortably against spin.
As Sundar brought the Indian team back into the contest with his incisive spell, the pitch itself started to offer more assistance to spinners. Ravindra Jadeja also capitalized on this evolving pitch condition, with deliveries beginning to rip past the batsmen’s outside edges. This spelled potential difficulty for the New Zealand side going into the second session, as the spinners were poised to exploit the conditions further.
By the time the session concluded, New Zealand had accrued a score of 92/3. Will Young’s contribution, remaining not out on 38, stood out in their innings. However, it was undeniably Sundar’s spell that restored competitive balance in the match, putting both teams on almost equal footing as they prepared for the subsequent battles throughout the day. Sundar’s two wickets for 26 runs were instrumental in ensuring India stayed right in the contest, setting the stage for what promises to be an engrossing day of Test cricket.