Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand left-arm spinner, has put his team on the brink of a historic Test series victory against India in Pune with a sensational all-round performance. In a match that has seen twists and turns, Santner emerged as the game-changer with his second five-wicket haul in the same match, earning his first-ever ten-wicket haul in Test cricket. His spellbound bowling in the afternoon session of the third day was a display of skill and precision that left the hosts, India, struggling at 178/7 by tea, still short by 181 runs for victory. Should New Zealand clinch this match, it would be the first Test series India has lost at home since 2012.
The third day commenced with promises of an Indian fightback, spearheaded by the young and dynamic Yashasvi Jaiswal. The opener, with an aggressive 77, showcased an array of strokes, keeping the Kiwi bowlers on their toes. His approach was aggressive yet calculated, bringing much-needed hope to the Indian side. However, the day belonged to Mitchell Santner, who was yet to weave his magic at that point. Santner’s initiation into this spell of brilliance was marked by the dismissal of Shubman Gill, who succumbed to an edge that carried to the slip cordon.
There was more to come from Santner. He delivered a pivotal delivery that glanced off the edge of Jaiswal’s bat, a ball that became a game-changer. Jaiswal, dealing with a troubling back injury that necessitated treatment during breaks, appeared to have reduced his trademark sweep shot post-lunch, which proved costly. Although Jaiswal’s wicket was a critical juncture, it was not the only setback for India.
.
In a sudden turn of events, Rishabh Pant found himself ousted from the pitch due to a run-out triggered by a sharp misunderstanding with fellow batsman and captain, Virat Kohli. From a robust position of 127/2, India slumped to 127/4, losing momentum with the departure of two left-handed players, essential in countering Santner’s left-arm spin attack.
Indian tactics to maneuver the batting order by sending Washington Sundar at number six to maintain the left-right hand combination proved futile against Santner’s mastery. Sundar, despite the intent behind his promotion, could not withstand the charge. Santner continued to uphold his dominance on the crease, nabbing key wickets of Kohli and later Sarfaraz, before eventually claiming the wicket of Sundar as well.
As Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin embarked on a rescue mission to prevent further damage, the writing seemed embossed on the wall. Mitchell Santner’s mastery was unrelenting, capitalizing on the nuances of the Pune surface like none of his peers, leading his team towards a road of potential unprecedented triumph.
New Zealand’s first innings score of 259, complemented by 86 from Tom Latham, laid the foundation for the visitors. The Indian bowlers, notably Washington Sundar (4-56) and Ravindra Jadeja (3-72), strived to contain New Zealand’s batting but the rate of run accumulation and leads established a firm footing for the visitors.
As the match proceeds towards its concluding day, Santner stands out, wielding impact not just through statistics but significantly altering the course of the game with a spell that could unseat India’s long-standing home dominance. New Zealand’s pursuit of history in India is primed for fruition, with Santner carving a paramount role in turning the tables.
With India teetering on the brink, New Zealand, armed with Santner’s wizardry, is poised to secure a major Test series win that carries the weight of history, reflecting the prowess and potential of this New Zealand side on the international arena. This transformation from challengers to probable victors underlines the essence of Test cricket where persistence and skill hold the ultimate say, and Santner’s performance serves as a testament to that enduring spirit.