Ajaz Patel Triggers Late Collapse as Jadeja’s Five-For Keeps New Zealand at 235
Ajaz Patel led a late Indian collapse, claiming two quick wickets in the final overs, leaving India trailing by 149 runs at the end of Day 1.
Ravindra Jadeja’s resolute five-wicket haul held New Zealand to 235 on a tense opening day of the third Test between India and New Zealand in Mumbai, but India was in a vulnerable position at 86 for 4 before stumps.
Match Scorecard
Match Analysis
In Mumbai’s sweltering and muggy weather, Ravindra Jadeja bowled 22 straight overs to record his 14th Test five-wicket haul, displaying incredible endurance. Will Young and Daryl Mitchell of New Zealand both made half-centuries and appeared to be on track for a substantial total, but were defeated by Jadeja’s tenacity and strategic bowling.
Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s openers, built a 53-run partnership as they started their chase gradually. But Ajaz Patel’s bowling changed the course of events, trapping nightwatchman Mohammed Siraj shortly after dismissing Jaiswal with a reverse-sweep attempt. India’s final session ended in disappointment when Virat Kohli, who is renowned for his aggressive racing between wickets, was run out for a quick single.
Tom Latham, the captain of New Zealand, took advantage of the ideal batting conditions after winning the toss, however he lost Devon Conway early to the incisive bowling of Akash Deep. The innings was then steadied by Mitchell and Young, who added 87 runs for the fourth wicket on a ground that was starting to wear and had erratic bounce and turn. In addition to Jadeja’s efforts, Washington Sundar took four vital wickets as New Zealand faltered from 159 for 3 to 235 all out.
Mitchell and Young had to contend with spin and bounce as they batted in difficult conditions. Mitchell made a vital 82, displaying his poise and hitting three sixes off Washington Sundar in consecutive overs after tea, while Young boldly took out sweeps and reverse-sweeps to achieve his first half-century of the series.
In order to overcome the vital middle-order resistance, Jadeja showed his expertise by changing pace and using subtle variations to target the stumps. He eventually dismissed Young and Tom Blundell. Puffs of dust were drawn by his bowling, suggesting that the pitch was becoming harder for hitters to hit.
Until Ajaz Patel’s brilliant spin in the last overs, India appeared to be in control. New Zealand gained momentum after Jaiswal’s unsuccessful attempt at a reverse sweep, and India’s innings was further damaged by Patel’s well-placed delivery against Siraj. India was reduced to 86 for 4 as Matt Henry’s deft fielding cost them dearly for Kohli‘s reckless single.
The first day created a captivating atmosphere for the Mumbai third test. Both teams will need to plan carefully on Day 2 in order to regain control, as India is losing four wickets rapidly and New Zealand is scoring a respectable 235. The focus is still on India’s middle order to stave off New Zealand’s bowling attack as the pitch continues to deteriorate.
