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The previous record was set during the 2000 Test between India and South Africa where 25 wickets fell after the first two day’s play.
India will look to close out New Zealand’s 2nd innings on Day 3. (Image: AP)
Bowlers have been on the money for the third Test between India and New Zealand being played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. A new record was created for the venue as 29 wickets were taken across the first two days.
The previous record was set during the 2000 Test between India and South Africa where 25 wickets fell after the first two day’s play.
Among the 29 wickets taken in the ongoing game, 24 of them were taken by the spinners. Ravindra Jadeja was in terrific form with the ball as he finished with 9 wickets across both games by the end of the second day’s play. He picked a five-wicket haul in the first innings, followed by a four-fer in the next, to put India in front.
New Zealand ended day two at 171 for nine with an overall lead of 143, which might look small but even a target in the vicinity of 150 will pose serious challenge for the Indian batters, considering the fast deteriorating Wankhede track.
15 wickets fell on the second day, showing that it is not exactly easy for the batters to go about their shots, particularly against the spinners. While India will look to end New Zealand’s second innings quickly, some more quick runs could be vital to ensure that the visitors remain in the game for a possible Test series-sweep win.
Ashwin (3/63) found his rhythm while Jadeja (4/52) added four more dismissals after his 5/65 in the first essay to keep India’s hopes alive to avert a clean sweep at home for the first time.
Will Young’s gutsy 51 was the only resistance from the Kiwis who succumbed to pressure after Patel (5/103) recorded yet another five-wicket haul.
India will hope that they can avoid a whitewash, to ensure that they end the series on a positive note also keeping in mind their upcoming tour of Australia as well, later on in November. But it will take a good performance from the Indian batters to avoid defeat here.
(with PTI Inputs)
