In a keenly contested first morning of the third Test at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Washington Sundar delivered a notable bowling performance that neutralized New Zealand’s steady start, keeping India firmly in contention. After New Zealand decided to bat first, hopes were high for the visitors to establish a solid foundation. Despite some early setbacks, it appeared they were on their way until Sundar’s skillful bowling created a pivotal turning point for the Indian team.
The opening pair for New Zealand did not last long as Devon Conway was dismissed early, plumb LBW, by the sharp bowling of Akash Deep who made good use of the new ball to draw first blood for India. The initial 30 minutes of the game presented few opportunities for the seamers, with the surface providing minimal support. However, the slight movement due to early moisture in the pitch allowed Akash Deep to break through, despite the absence of India’s ace pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, who was sidelined due to illness.
Without their frontline weapon in Bumrah, India leaned on Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep to make the first breakthroughs, and while Siraj was economic, it was Akash Deep who produced the goods, handing India their maiden breakthrough. Yet, after this initial setback, the visiting duo of Tom Latham and Will Young took control of the situation. Their resilient 44-run partnership for the second wicket exhibited a mix of patience and precision, as they cautiously played through India’s attack, especially negating the spin of Ravichandran Ashwin, who struggled initially to find his rhythm.
The tide began to turn with the introduction of Washington Sundar, who, as has often been the case, proved pivotal with his crafty spin. Coming into the fold, Sundar wasted no time in applying pressure on the New Zealand batters, displaying an enticing mix of flight and spin which immediately created doubts in their minds. With his probing deliveries and strategic variations in pace, Sundar began to unsettle the well-set Latham and Young, both of whom initially seemed at ease against the Indian bowlers. It didn’t take long for Sundar to make a breakthrough as he dismissed Latham for a carefully crafted 28, deceiving him with a flighted delivery that spun enough to disturb the batter’s line, sending his stumps flying.
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Not content with just one, Sundar quickly added Rachin Ravindra to his list of victims. Ravindra, who had walked in to steady the ship, was equally troubled by Sundar’s drift. A replica delivery to the one that dismissed Latham proved Ravindra’s undoing as well, leaving the visitors in a spot of bother as they tried to rebuild their innings. With these two key wickets, Sundar had snatched the momentum away from New Zealand, tipping the scales back in India’s favor.
Despite these setbacks, one constant for New Zealand was the fortitude of Will Young, who continued to bat resolutely, anchoring one end even as Sundar chipped away at the other. With the dependable Daryl Mitchell joining him at the crease, Young ensured that no further losses occurred before the lunch interval. Holding the innings together with a solid 38* at the end of the session, Young symbolized New Zealand’s resistance and resolved to brave the challenging conditions.
India’s spin trio would see further opportunity upon resumption. Ravindra Jadeja, in particular, began to tease the batters with some sharp turn and bounce post-Sundar’s strikes, hinting that the second session could pose a greater challenge for the Kiwi lineup as the pitch began offering more purchase for the spinners.
By lunch, New Zealand’s scoreboard read 92/3, a reflection of both their early resilience and the Indian spinners’ rejuvenating efforts led by Washington Sundar. His economical spell, with figures of 2-26, was crucial in pegging back the visitors, leaving the test match evenly poised and set for an intriguing continuation post-break. As cricket enthusiasts avoid their seats, the ardent supporters anticipate more exhilarating twists as the day progresses.