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Washington Sundar struck twice in quick succession to dent New Zealand in the morning session of the third Test in Mumbai.
Tom Latham (left) reacts after being bowled by Washington Sundar. (BCCI Photo)
India allrounder Washington Sundar continues to enjoy a superb comeback to Test cricket. After an excellent show in the Pune Test where he finished with a match haul of 11 wicket, the offspinner struck twice in the first morning session of the third Test against New Zealand that got underway today in Mumbai.
New Zealand won a good toss and opted to bat first on a pitch that has been tipped to assist spinners as the game progresses. Akash Deep struck early for India with the scalp of Devon Conway before Tom Latham and Will Young led a good recovery.
The two seemed to have settled in nicely when Sundar got one to beat the outside edge of Latham in the 16th over with the ball then crashing into the off-stump. Latham scored 28 off 44.
Sundar then got rid of in-form Rachin Ravindra in an identical fashion getting the ball to turn to beat the outside edge and pinging the off-stump. Ravindra managed just five.
New Zealand, who lead the three-match series 2-0, finished the first session at 92/3 after opting to bat first at the Wankhede Stadium.
India have made one change to their playing XI that took the field in Pune. Captain Rohit Sharma informed at the coin toss that Jasprit Bumrah is unwell and therefore will miss the game. Mohammed Siraj walked into the eleven.
New Zealand made two changes – one forced. Mitchell Santner is sitting out due to a side strain and Ish Sodhi has replaced him while Tim Southee takes the place of Matt Henry.
India are hoping to avoid a clean sweep and end the series on a high. New Zealand have already created history by taking a decisive 2-0 lead – their first Test series win on Indian soil.
The Kiwis are now aiming to become the first team since South Africa to inflict a series whitewash on India at home.
