India vs New Zealand 3rd Test: Day 1 Kick-Off
New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming to use the best of the early pitch conditions. India’s lineup saw a minor shuffle, with Jasprit Bumrah out due to illness and Mohammed Siraj taking his spot. New Zealand made two changes, bringing in Ish Sodhi and Matt Henry for Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee.
The Series So Far: A Tough Tour for India
New Zealand has already won the first two Tests, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. With victories in Bengaluru and Pune, the Kiwis have ended India’s 18-series unbeaten home streak. This final Test gives India one last chance to turn things around in front of a home crowd.
India’s Plan for Redemption at Wankhede
For India, this match is more than just another game. Captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir have acknowledged the disappointment over the series loss. While Rohit believes the team can learn from this setback, Gambhir hopes the experience will help them grow stronger.
Key Players to Watch
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: Both are eager to get back into top form before heading to Australia.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young opener is showcasing promise and aims to make a mark in this high-stakes match.
- Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja: The spin duo will play a crucial role on the Wankhede Stadium pitch, known for assisting spinners in the later days of the Test.
New Zealand’s Lineup and Strategy
New Zealand enters this Test with confidence, led by Latham’s strategic captaincy. Their pace-spin attack, including Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, and Ajaz Patel, is well-suited to challenge India’s batting lineup. Additionally, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell will aim to contribute with the bat to set a challenging total.
A Look at the Wankhede Stadium Pitch
The Wankhede Stadium pitch report suggests that while the first couple of days favor batsmen, it often begins to turn as the game progresses. Known for unpredictable bounce and turn, it will provide a testing ground, especially for batters facing quality spinners on Day 3 and beyond.
Live Action and Early Moments
- Toss and Opening Overs: New Zealand’s choice to bat first was a tactical move to utilize the fresh pitch. In the initial overs, Siraj and Akash Deep bowled with precision.
- Early Boundaries: The first boundary of the game came off Latham’s bat, although it was a bit edgy as the ball sailed through the gully for four.
- Tight Bowling from Akash Deep: Akash began with an aggressive line, trying to find an early breakthrough by targeting the off-stump and keeping Latham on his toes.
Detailed Ball-by-Ball Commentary Highlights
- 2.3 Over: Siraj delivered a good-length ball with a touch of away movement, which Conway defended confidently.
- 2.2 Over: Latham picked up a single, nudging the ball to backward square leg.
- 1.4 Over: An edge from Latham’s bat slipped through the gully, giving him a lucky boundary.
Players to Watch in the First Innings
For New Zealand, Conway and Latham’s opening partnership could set the tone for the team’s innings. India’s bowlers, led by Ashwin and Jadeja, will likely dominate in the middle overs, especially with the favorable turn the pitch offers as the game progresses.
Weather at Wankhede Stadium: Mumbai Weather Forecast
The Mumbai weather on Day 1 is forecasted to be clear, which is perfect for cricket. The teams will likely enjoy uninterrupted play throughout the day.
India’s Potential Path to Victory
If India can quickly wrap up New Zealand’s innings, they can leverage home advantage. With star batsmen like Rohit and Kohli in the lineup, India could put pressure back on New Zealand.
Possible Scenarios in the Match
- Early Wickets: If India’s bowlers manage to secure early breakthroughs, New Zealand’s batting could be under pressure.
- Strong Opening Partnership: A solid start from Latham and Conway could help New Zealand build a big total and put India on the defensive.
- Spin Dominance: As the game progresses, the Wankhede pitch might help spinners Ashwin, Jadeja, and Sodhi to shine.
Dream11 Tips for Fantasy Players
If you’re putting together your Dream11 team, consider these players:
- Captain: Rohit Sharma or Tom Latham (reliable and consistent).
- Vice-Captain: Ravindra Jadeja or Ish Sodhi (likely to perform on a turning pitch).
- All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja and Daryl Mitchell.
- Wicketkeeper: Rishabh Pant.
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Conclusion
India vs New Zealand, This third and final Test offers India a shot at ending the series with a win, while New Zealand will look to secure a whitewash. This game is not only about pride for India but also crucial for their standing in the World Test Championship.
The stakes are high, the atmosphere electric, and fans eagerly await each ball. Will India bounce back and deny New Zealand the clean sweep? Or will the Kiwis continue their winning streak? Whatever the outcome, this Test is sure to deliver riveting cricket action at Wankhede Stadium.
