Sundar’s Strikes Keep India in Contention on Day One of Mumbai Test
Washington Sundar’s incisive spell of 2-26 helped India maintain control against New Zealand on the first morning of the third Test in Mumbai. After New Zealand elected to bat, they suffered an early blow when Mohammed Siraj’s replacement, Akash Deep, trapped Devon Conway LBW within the first half-hour. Conway’s dismissal brought Tom Latham to the crease, who, along with Will Young, stitched together a steadying 44-run partnership for the second wicket.
Sundar’s arrival marked a turning point as he immediately troubled both Latham and Young with his drift and turn. Latham looked comfortable initially but eventually misjudged a delivery that straightened slightly, allowing Sundar to breach his defense and bowl him out. Sundar soon followed up with another critical wicket, removing Rachin Ravindra, who also fell victim to Sundar’s subtle variations, providing India with a much-needed boost.
Young Holds Firm Amidst Indian Spin Attack
Despite the spinners’ success, Will Young held his ground, showcasing solid technique and composure against the Indian bowlers. Young’s unbeaten 38 helped New Zealand avoid a potential collapse, as he built a steady partnership with Daryl Mitchell to prevent further losses before lunch. Young displayed particular poise against Ravichandran Ashwin, who initially struggled to extract movement, allowing the batters some respite.
With Jasprit Bumrah sidelined due to illness, the Indian seamers, Siraj and Deep, were tasked with making early breakthroughs. Deep’s consistent line and subtle movement eventually dismissed Conway, yet the pitch offered limited assistance for the seamers. Young and Latham capitalized on the conditions, finding stability despite facing a varied spin assault from Sundar and Jadeja.
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Spinners Find Grip as Session Progresses
As the morning session progressed, the surface began to favor the spinners more, providing further opportunities for India. Ravindra Jadeja, in particular, started finding sharp turn, ripping a few deliveries past the outside edge to keep the batters on alert. Sundar’s drift and precision caused problems for New Zealand’s middle order, setting the tone for what promises to be a challenging day for the visitors.
Looking ahead, the afternoon session could prove to be pivotal for both teams. With New Zealand at 92/3, India will aim to capitalize on the increased turn and maintain pressure, while the visitors will be keen to build a resilient partnership to stabilize their innings. Sundar’s impact early in the day has given India an edge, but New Zealand’s Young holds the key to their stability as they navigate the testing conditions.
Brief Scores
New Zealand: 92/3 (Will Young 38*; Washington Sundar 2-26) vs India
