In a gripping Test match, New Zealand managed to post a total of 235 runs, thanks largely to Daryl Mitchell and Will Young, who both contributed half-centuries. Ravindra Jadeja showcased his exceptional skill and fitness, achieving his 14th five-wicket haul in Tests, while Washington Sundar supported him well with four wickets.
Jadeja bowled relentlessly, completing five consecutive overs to help dismantle the New Zealand batting order. Despite missing the influential spinner Mitchell Santner, who had caused India trouble in the previous Test, the New Zealand batsmen found some resistance. Mitchell played a spirited innings, launching three sixes in a flurry of aggression just before the end of the innings, lifting New Zealand to a respectable total.
Throughout the innings, Jadeja remained a persistent threat, consistently targeting the stumps. Ish Sodhi fell victim to a delivery that turned sharply and kept low, resulting in a clean bowled. Jadeja also showcased his versatility by taking two wickets in a single over, tricking Matt Henry with a slower delivery that resulted in another off stump dismissal.
Mitchell, who didn’t shy away from the strike, ultimately made a crucial mistake, playing a flat delivery directly into the slip cordon after scoring 82 runs. Ajaz Patel, under pressure to improve after his previous outing, managed to hit a six before getting out to Washington Sundar, who finished with four wickets.
India’s bowlers operated effectively in the sweltering heat of Mumbai, taking wickets in clusters to maintain pressure on New Zealand. Washington struck early by dismissing Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra in quick succession before lunch. Jadeja then took the wickets of Will Young and Tom Blundell in one over just before the tea break, stifling New Zealand’s momentum.
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With temperatures soaring to 37 degrees Celsius and high humidity, players struggled with dehydration. Drinks breaks were frequent, and players used ice packs and towels liberally. Despite feeling the effects of the heat, Mitchell persevered through cramps and fatigue to contribute significantly to his team’s score.
India’s bowling attack began without their star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who was sidelined due to a viral illness. Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj opened the bowling, with Deep effectively utilizing angles to dismiss Devon Conway lbw. While Latham and Young built a solid partnership of 44 runs for the second wicket, Washington Sundar delivered a stunning ball that bowled Latham, marking a pivotal moment in the match.
As the session progressed, the pitch showed variable turn, creating challenges for the batsmen. Although Jadeja faced periods of slower play, he persisted, exhibiting superior fitness by bowling throughout the session while others took longer breaks.
Young and Mitchell displayed their skill, employing sweeps and reverse sweeps effectively. Young’s half-century marked a turning point, as he appeared the most comfortable of all the batters on display. Jadeja’s persistence paid off as he bowled Young with a delivery that turned sharply at a brisk pace, further depleting New Zealand’s batting lineup.
With New Zealand reduced to 187 for 6, Jadeja’s efforts and Washington’s contributions were crucial as India sought to maintain the balance of the Test match going into the tea break.
