New Zealand seized control of the opening day of the final Test against India in Mumbai, capitalizing on a dramatic late collapse by the hosts. India, in a strong position at 78/1 with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the crease, saw their fortunes reverse within minutes. By the end of play, India found themselves at 86/4, trailing New Zealand’s first-innings total of 235 by 149 runs.

The collapse began when Yashasvi Jaiswal, batting confidently on 30, attempted an audacious reverse sweep off the bowling of Ajaz Patel. The ill-judged shot led to his dismissal, igniting a chain reaction in the Indian batting order. Ajaz Patel, who had been probing but wicketless until that moment, capitalized on the breakthrough. Soon after, Mohammed Siraj, acting as nightwatchman, was trapped leg-before by Patel, burning a review in his unsuccessful attempt to overturn the decision.

Virat Kohli’s departure added to India’s woes in a moment that highlighted the pressure on India’s top order. Attempting a risky single, Kohli was run out by a direct hit from Matt Henry at mid-on, leaving him short despite a desperate dive. This marked a significant lapse in judgement from India’s most experienced batter, further tipping the scales in New Zealand’s favor.

India’s Bright Start Fades:

India’s innings had started on a promising note despite an early setback when Rohit Sharma fell to a sharp delivery from Matt Henry with the new ball. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal steadied the ship, crafting a promising 50-plus stand and appearing set to take India to a position of dominance. Gill, playing with assurance, remained unbeaten on 31 at stumps, watching helplessly as wickets tumbled at the other end.

New Zealand’s Bowlers Make the Difference:

Ajaz Patel’s late burst of wickets, supported by Matt Henry’s new-ball precision, underscored New Zealand’s effective bowling strategy on a Wankhede surface that offered some morning bounce and subtle movement but began to aid spinners as the day progressed. The pressure Patel applied proved critical, rattling India and creating opportunities that the visitors capitalized on swiftly.

New Zealand’s Steady Innings:

Earlier in the day, New Zealand’s innings of 235 was anchored by an 87-run partnership between Daryl Mitchell (82) and Will Young (71). The duo played proactive cricket, using their feet to tackle India’s spinners and employing sweeps to good effect. Despite losing captain Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra in quick succession to Washington Sundar’s accurate spell (4-81), Mitchell and Young stabilized the innings before the lower order crumbled against Ravindra Jadeja’s craft (5-65).

Jadeja’s performance was a significant milestone as he broke into the top five all-time Test wicket-takers for India, surpassing notable bowlers like Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma. However, Ravichandran Ashwin, usually a linchpin in India’s spin attack, struggled to make an impact and ended the day without a wicket.

Expert Opinion: An Uphill Battle for India

Cricket analysts have pointed out that India’s prospects for the match hinge on a resilient batting performance on day two. With the pitch likely to deteriorate and favor spin further, setting a competitive first-innings total is crucial. It is to be noted that patience and calculated shot selection will be essential if India is to wrest control back from New Zealand. The late collapse has put India on the back foot, making it imperative for their middle order to step up and counter the mounting pressure.

As of the end of Day 1 in the third Test between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, the match stands as follows:

New Zealand 1st Innings: 235 all out

• Daryl Mitchell: 82 runs
• Will Young: 71 runs
• Ravindra Jadeja: 5 wickets for 65 runs
• Washington Sundar: 4 wickets for 81 runs

India 1st Innings: 86/4 at stumps

• Shubman Gill: 31* not out
• Yashasvi Jaiswal: 30 runs
• Ajaz Patel: 2 wickets for 33 runs

India trails by 149 runs with six wickets remaining in their first innings. The match resumes on Day 2 with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant at the crease.

  Ajaz Patel, Daryl Mitchell, India, Matt Henry, Mumbai, New Zealand, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal