In an enthralling display of spin bowling, Ravindra Jadeja (4-52) and Ravichandran Ashwin (3-63) spun a web around the New Zealand batsmen, granting India a slender lead on the second day of the final Test match in Mumbai. As the dust settled at stumps, New Zealand found themselves precariously placed at 171 for 9, leading India by a narrow margin of 143 runs. On a pitch that has shown signs of significant wear and tear, batting appears to be an arduous task, and yet, a lead of this magnitude could pose a challenge in the coming days. Nonetheless, India holds a slight edge as things stand.
As the second day’s play unfurled, bowlers dominated proceedings yet again, with an astonishing 15 wickets tumbling — one more than on the previous day. The morning session belonged to New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel, who continued his fine form with the ball, claiming figures of 5-103 and causing notable damage to the Indian batting lineup.
The final session of the day saw New Zealand teetering at 26 for 1, as the pitch made batting increasingly difficult, elevating the value of every run scored. Will Young emerged as a beacon of hope for the touring side, showcasing exceptional technique and determination as he battled his way to a gritty 51. However, the lack of support from the other end was evident, with Daryl Mitchell (21) and Devon Conway (22) unable to convert their starts. Conway’s dismissal was particularly unfortunate; a sharply turning off-break by Ashwin found the edge after rearing up alarmingly off the pitch.
Rachin Ravindra’s dismissal, however, was less about misfortune and more about a lapse in judgment. The young batsman attempted an ambitious slog against a sharply spinning delivery, only to be comfortably stumped. Despite the fall of wickets around him, Young continued to accumulate runs with a blend of resilient defense and the occasional attacking shot. His partnership with Mitchell yielded 50 valuable runs, but just when it seemed as though New Zealand had gained some footing, Jadeja struck back for India. Mitchell, in an attempt to force the pace, attempted a lofted shot, only to be caught brilliantly by Ashwin stationed at mid-on.
On pitches offering substantial assistance to the spinners, the fall of one wicket often triggers a collapse, and this Test has been no exception.
. Tom Blundell’s torrid run with the bat continued, as he was cleaned up by a Jadeja special, leaving New Zealand in further disarray. Enter Glenn Phillips, who approached his innings with an aggressive mindset, striking three sixes and a four during his rapid 14-ball 26. However, his offensive approach proved his undoing, as he fell victim to Ashwin’s cunning carrom ball.
With Jadeja operating at his lethal best, the New Zealand lower order struggled to withstand the pressure. Despite Matt Henry and Ajaz Patel managing a six apiece to add invaluable runs, Jadeja continued his incisive spell, claiming his fourth wicket as he removed Henry to end the day’s play. As New Zealand trudged back to the pavilion, they realized the fragility of their lead, which currently stands at 143 runs. Batting last on this wicket might prove to be a treacherous affair, amplifying the significance of their slender advantage.
This Test has been a tale of strong bowling performances and fragile batting displays, epitomized by India’s own sub-par show with the bat. Shubman Gill (90) and Rishabh Pant (60) provided the only significant resistance with a robust 96-run partnership. Despite India’s dominance at home over the years, their lower order has been found wanting in this particular series.
Ajaz Patel’s remarkable spell proved instrumental in disrupting India’s innings, capturing crucial wickets and receiving commendable support from Ish Sodhi and Phillips. As Ashwin and Jadeja faltered with the bat, Gill found himself running out of partners, eventually succumbing to Ajaz’s spin wizardry. It was only through an impactful knock from Washington Sundar (38*) that India managed to edge ahead with a first-innings lead.
India’s bowlers, spearheaded by Jadeja and Ashwin, responded with vigor, ensuring India’s blade remained slightly sharper by day’s end. With the match finely poised, a thrilling conclusion awaits as both teams brace for what could be a nail-biting finish.
Brief scores: New Zealand 235 and 171/9 (Will Young 51; Ravindra Jadeja 4-52, Ravichandran Ashwin 3-63) lead India 263 (Shubman Gill 90, Rishabh Pant 60; Ajaz Patel 5-103) by 143 runs.