In a thrilling showcase of spin mastery, Indian cricketers Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin spun their web against New Zealand, handing India a slight upper hand on the second day of the decisive Test encounter in Mumbai. By stumps, the visiting New Zealand team had posted a precarious 171 for 9, establishing a lead of 143 runs, setting up a potentially riveting remainder of the match. As the surface crumbles under the pressure of relentless bowling, any total becomes a fighting one, and for now, India holds a slight edge in what has become a bowler-dominated game.
From the outset of the second day, bowlers on both sides exerted their influence, resulting in a remarkable fall of 15 wickets—one more than the tally from the previous day’s action. Ajaz Patel emerged as the standout performer in the Test’s initial phase, claiming figures of 5-103. As New Zealand started the final session with their score at a tentative 26 for 1, both teams knew the deteriorating pitch conditions made each run crucial.
Will Young was a beacon of resilience for New Zealand, crafting a determined half-century (51 runs) that stood out against a backdrop of faltering support from his teammates. Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway contributed with scores of 21 and 22 respectively, yet neither could build on promising starts. The pitch had begun to exhibit erratic behavior, especially adept at amplifying the tricks of the spinners, exemplified by Conway’s dismissal to an unplayably sharp off-break delivery that kissed the edge of his bat.
In contrast, Rachin Ravindra’s exit was nothing short of a lapse in judgment. Opting for an ambitious heave against Jadeja’s understated but deadly spin, he found himself stumped well off the crease. Young, actively building on his innings, witnessed this string of dismissals from the non-striker’s end, managing to steady the ship momentarily alongside Mitchell in a vital partnership worth 50 runs, marking New Zealand’s best batting effort for the day.
However, the Indian side’s fortune turned with Jadeja’s intervention. Mitchell, in his desire to accelerate the scoring, attempted a lofted shot only to fall short courtesy of a spectacular catch by Ashwin at mid-on. As is often the case on such variable wickets, one dismissal lit a fire that consumed more batsmen, with Tom Blundell’s run of poor form continuing as Jadeja clean bowled him.
. Glenn Phillips countered for a brief period with an explosive cameo of 26 from just 14 deliveries, smacking three sixes and a four before succumbing to Ashwin’s smartly bowled carrom ball.
Jadeja’s precision was exemplary as he carved through the Kiwi lower order, ending the day with four wickets to his name. Meanwhile, a couple of hefty blows from Matt Henry and Ajaz Patel momentarily boosted New Zealand’s score, but Jadeja quickly put an end to Henry’s resistance, wrapping up the day on a high. As the day concluded, New Zealand was left to contemplate how their own downturn in momentum transformed a potentially commanding position into a vulnerable one.
The visitors will be eager to stretch their small lead past the 150-mark, aware of the fraught nature of batting last on such unpredictable surfaces. India, despite their commendable bowling showcases, will rue their batting frailties as their middle and lower order failed to fire once again. Heroics from Shubman Gill (90) and Rishabh Pant (60) in a defiant 96-run partnership were the saving grace for the Indian innings; however, other contributions were scarce.
Ajaz Patel’s spell was a revelation, responding to previous underwhelming performances with precision and turn that exploited home conditions perfectly. Ish Sodhi and Glenn Phillips also made significant inroads, the former dismissing Pant when a crucial partnership was easing pressure on India. Over the years, India has thrived on staunch lower-order rearguard efforts at home, a feature missing desperately in this series.
With Ashwin and Jadeja unable to replicate their bowling finesse with the willow, India’s tail lacked venom, making way for New Zealand’s disciplined attack to capitalize. Washington Sundar’s unbeaten 38 was a rare bright spot that somewhat alleviated India’s predicament. Heading into the next day, India’s bowlers will aim to consolidate this slender advantage by pressing for a swift conclusion to New Zealand’s innings, thereby setting the stage for what promises to be an intense, competitive finish to this enthralling Test match.
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.