• Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin played pivotal roles in India's comeback against New Zealand on Day 2 of Mumbai Test.

  • The second innings for New Zealand saw early and middle-order struggles against India's bowling attack.

Twitter reactions: Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin lead India’s fightback against New Zealand on Day 2 of the 3rd Test
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja (Image Source: X)

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The 3rd Test between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium has been a tightly contested match. After New Zealand posted 235 in their first innings, with significant contributions from Will Young (71) and Daryl Mitchell (82), India managed to surpass it with a score of 263, securing a 28-run lead. The second innings for New Zealand saw early and middle-order struggles against India’s bowling attack, with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin picking up crucial wickets. As Day 2 ended, New Zealand were at 171/9, leading by 143 runs. The match remains poised on a knife’s edge, with India’s bowlers eyeing a swift end to the innings and setting up a manageable chase on the third day.

New Zealand’s mixed start in the first innings

The third Test at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium began with New Zealand putting forth a mixed performance in their first innings. The visitors posted a total of 235 runs in 65.4 overs, led by significant contributions from Will Young, who crafted a patient 71 off 138 balls, and Daryl Mitchell, who played an impressive 82 off 129 deliveries, striking three boundaries and three sixes. India’s bowlers, spearheaded by Jadeja and Washington Sundar, applied consistent pressure, collectively taking seven wickets. Akash Deep made an early impact by dismissing Devon Conway for just 4, setting the tone for India’s disciplined bowling approach. Despite some middle and lower-order resistance, New Zealand’s innings came to a swift conclusion, giving India a slight edge.

India’s balanced approach secures a first-innings lead

India’s response was marked by a balanced batting strategy that allowed them to surpass New Zealand’s total and establish a 28-run lead. Although the innings saw early setbacks, contributions from the middle order helped stabilize the innings and guide the team to a total of 263. The Indian batters, led by Shubman Gill, managed their scoring rate efficiently, blending aggression with caution to counter New Zealand’s probing bowling. The visitors’ bowlers, including their seamers and spinners, maintained tight lines, but India’s calculated approach enabled them to build partnerships and reach a competitive score.

Also WATCH: Akash Deep cleans up Tom Latham with a ripper on Day 2 of Mumbai Test – IND vs NZ

Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin shine with the ball

Under mounting pressure from India’s determined bowling lineup, New Zealand’s second innings faltered. The openers faced relentless spells, and wickets fell at regular intervals, with Jadeja and Ashwin proving particularly effective on a spinning track. Will Young once again offered some resistance at the top but could not replicate his first-innings effort. Sundar and Akash Deep complemented their efforts, each contributing key breakthroughs. By the close of Day 2, New Zealand was reeling at 171/9, holding a lead of just 143 runs with their last pair at the crease. The Indian bowlers’ relentless attack stifled the visitors’ attempts to build partnerships, putting the hosts in a favorable position.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also WATCH: Ravichandran Ashwin outfoxes Rachin Ravindra with his masterful bowling on Day 2 of the 3rd Test

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