New Delhi: Ravichandran Ashwin outfoxed the talented Rachin Ravindra in the second innings of third Test against New Zealand to put the hosts in a commanding position at the Wankhede stadium. After India got the wicket of skipper Tom Latham in the second session of play, Devon Conway and Ravindra departed soon after the tea break in the third session in Mumbai.
While Washington Sundar removed Conway for 22 runs, Ashwin bowled a fantastic delivery to get rid of the dangerous Ravindra for 4 to give the Kiwis their third blow. The dismissal came in the fourth over of the second essay when Ashwin bowled a short of length delivery and Rachin stepped out in an attempt to hit a big shot but missed it. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was quick enough to dislodge the stumps giving Ashwin his first scalp of the Test match.
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RAVI ASHWIN GETS RACHIN. 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/9sKXmRgep5
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 2, 2024
Jadeja breaks crucial partnership
Ravindra Jadeja too came into action break a crucial stand between Daryl Mitchell and Will Young to give the Kiwis their fourth blow. Mitchell (21) attempted to hit a delivery bowled by Jadeja out of the park but mistimed it and got out. Ashwin took a brilliant on the boundary ropes as he had to run backwards but completed the catch in a superb manner.
Jadeja gave Indian another breakthrough quickly after Mitchell’s wicket by removing new batter Tom Blundell for just four runs. The spinner bowled a remarkable ball to clean up the Kiwi batter and dent New Zealand’s proceedings in the match. The visitors have managed a lead of 70 runs, with 5 wickets remaining and roughly an hour of play left in the day. India seem to be on top of the game after claiming crucial wickets and would be eyeing to finish off the Kiwi innings as soon as possible.
