The third day of the first Test match between India and New Zealand at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium unfolded in thrilling fashion as a staggering 453 runs were plundered from the runs tally, while 10 wickets also tumbled throughout the day’s play. By the close of an exhilarating day’s cricket, New Zealand found themselves still leading the charge, though India showed formidable resilience with an aggressive second innings effort, keeping it all very much in the balance as the Test progresses.
India’s response came at an electrifying pace, galloping at a rapid scoring rate of 4.71 runs-per-over in the 49 overs afforded to them, slicing the colossal first innings deficit of 356 runs down to a more manageable 125. With two full days yet to unfold and seven wickets standing tall for the home side, India’s chances of clawing back into this contest have surged markedly. However, the Black Caps maintain their hold over the game, especially capturing the crucial wicket of Indian talisman Virat Kohli (who crafted a crucial 70) on the very last ball of the day.
The innings for India began with gusto, driven by skipper Rohit Sharma, who sent ripples through New Zealand’s camp with a breezy 63-ball 52. His rapid scoring encapsulated India’s intent of righting the ship and was instrumental in establishing a firm 72-run opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who contributed a steady 35. Although Jaiswal was not at his absolute fluid best, his departure arrived against the run of play while attempting to exploit the left-arm spin match-up of Ajaz Patel. This breakthrough was followed by a moment of misfortune for Rohit, who in a bizarre series of events, inside-edged a ball that mischievously trickled onto the stumps. This unexpected loss bolstered the Kiws spirits as they sensed an opportunity to tighten their grip on the match.
Undeterred, India roared back into the contest as Sarfaraz Khan entered the fray, wielding his bat with intent and aggression. He particularly relished taking on the spinners, reserving some audacious shots and inventive stroke play for the left-arm spinner Ajaz.
. Fans were treated to an array of attacking strokes, particularly slog-sweeps and late-cuts; and when pace returned to the innings, Sarfaraz enthralled with a flamboyant upper-cut that soared over deep backward point for six.
Not to be outdone, Kohli too launched an audacious attack against the spinning duo, showcasing the typical exuberance that has become the hallmark of his Test innings. Together, Kohli and Sarfaraz forged a formidable 136-run stand, which was compiled at a blistering pace. The duo seemed destined to bat through to stumps, but fate had different plans as Glenn Phillips’ perseverance was finally rewarded; earlier, Ajaz had spilled a golden opportunity at first slip to dismiss Kohli. Yet, Phillips eventually coaxed an edge from the Indian captain to strike a significant blow for the Kiwis as they enjoyed a moment of triumph just as the day drew to a close.
Nevertheless, the spectacle of the day belonged to New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, who dominated the proceedings with an exquisite 134 to anchor New Zealand’s formidable first-innings total. Continuing his excellent form, Ravindra effortlessly negotiated both spin and pace, underscoring his prowess and grit at the crease. Amidst the falling wickets around him, Ravindra forged a valuable rearguard action with Tim Southee, who played a vital supporting knock of 65. The pair defied India’s bowlers’ collective efforts to dismiss the visitors early in the day.
Despite India’s best efforts in the morning session with impressive bowling displays from their premier trio, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja, the Ravindra-Southee partnership left India reeling as New Zealand mustered an additional 169 runs with their last three wickets, bolstering their imposing first-innings total significantly. India’s failure to review a close LBW shout against Ravindra ultimately cost them, allowing the left-hander to continue his onslaught and add another 24 runs to the board, swelling New Zealand’s score to a daunting 402.
Although India can be pleased with their determined comeback and the way they have kept themselves within touching distance, there is a lurking frustration, particularly with Kohli’s dismissal at the day’s end. As we move towards what’s poised to be a riveting fourth day, both teams remain ideally poised for what could be a monumental clash in Bangalore, promising further drama and excitement on this cricketing extravaganza.