India vs New Zealand 2nd Test Day 3 LIVE: Welcome to our comprehensive coverage of Day 3 in the second Test match between the cricketing giants India and New Zealand, currently unfolding at the renowned Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium this Saturday.
After a remarkable effort in the previous session where they bundled out the Kiwis, India recognized the urgency of launching a fierce attack to assert their dominance and send a clear message to their opponents.
In a display of aggressive batting, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill took the initiative, quickly amassing an impressive 81 runs in just 12 overs leading up to lunch, even as India faced an early setback with the departure of Rohit Sharma.
With the shift in momentum in their favor, India is now intent on achieving a historic comeback in this Test, seeking to level the series after a previous loss, injecting a sense of determination among the players.
Ravindra Jadeja emerged as a pivotal figure this morning, as India hoped his spin bowling would drastically alter the match’s dynamics, and he delivered exactly as anticipated.
The seasoned spinner unleashed havoc upon the New Zealand lower order, claiming three crucial wickets and playing a significant role in bowling out the visitors merely an hour into the first session of Day 3.
Despite Glenn Phillips resisting with an enterprising unbeaten 48*, marked by impressive sixes, which allowed New Zealand to surpass the 350-run lead, the wickets fell at the other end with alarming speed.
In the end, New Zealand was bowled out for 255 runs, thus setting India a daunting target of 359 runs to secure victory in this high-stakes encounter.
IND Need 359 Runs to Win
India Playing XI
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand Playing XI
Tom Latham(c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Glenn Phillips, Tim Southee, Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, William O’Rourke
Interview with Cricket Analyst Ravi Kumar
Editor: Welcome, Ravi! We’re excited to have you here for your insights on the ongoing second Test match between India and New Zealand.
Ravi Kumar: Thank you for having me! It’s been quite an exciting match so far.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. After India’s impressive bowling performance that saw them bundle out New Zealand, what do you think has been the key to their success?
Ravi Kumar: Absolutely, India’s bowling attack has been phenomenal. They’ve maintained consistent pressure, with key bowlers taking crucial wickets at pivotal moments. The strategy to bowl in partnerships and ensure the Kiwis never settled is paying off.
Editor: With India now having the upper hand, how crucial is it for them to capitalize on this momentum heading into Day 3?
Ravi Kumar: It’s vital. They need to put up a strong batting display to extend their lead significantly, which will put even more pressure on the New Zealand batting lineup. A substantial first-innings lead can be a game-changer, especially with the conditions at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
Editor: What tactical adjustments do you expect to see from New Zealand after their disappointing first innings?
Ravi Kumar: New Zealand will need to regroup and focus on building partnerships. They’ll likely emphasize patience and look to rotate the strike better. Aggression won’t be the answer; they need to be careful while trying to counter India’s attack.
Editor: Any standout players from this match you think have made a significant impact thus far?
Ravi Kumar: Certainly! Players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin have been instrumental for India with the ball. On the flip side, if New Zealand is to bounce back, someone like Kane Williamson needs to step up and lead from the front with his experience.
Editor: Lastly, what’s your prediction for the rest of the match?
Ravi Kumar: If India continues to play with the same intensity, they are on track to secure a strong position. However, cricket is unpredictable, so it’ll be interesting to see if New Zealand can mount a credible comeback.
Editor: Thank you, Ravi, for your insights! We’re looking forward to seeing how the match unfolds as Day 3 progresses.
Ravi Kumar: My pleasure! Enjoy the game!
Cantly. The team has shown resilience so far, but achieving that 359-run target will require patience and aggression. After losing Rohit Sharma early, Jaiswal and Gill’s partnership is key in setting the tone for the chase.
Editor: Speaking of those partnerships, how do you rate Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill’s performance in this match so far?
Ravi Kumar: They’ve been exceptional! Their aggressive approach has not only put the pressure back on New Zealand but has also allowed them to dictate the pace of the innings. If they can continue to build on their momentum, India will be in a strong position to chase down that target.
Editor: India’s spin sensation, Ravindra Jadeja, was crucial in dismantling New Zealand’s lower order. What makes his bowling so effective in this format?
Ravi Kumar: Jadeja’s ability to turn the ball and his control over line and length make him a formidable opponent. In home conditions, especially on turning tracks, he can be quite devastating. His experience and knack for picking crucial wickets at crucial times make him an asset to the team.
Editor: With the target now set at 359 runs, what advice would you give to India’s batting lineup as they prepare for the chase?
Ravi Kumar: They must remain calm and play to their strengths. Building partnerships will be important. Each batsman needs to take responsibility, especially the experienced ones like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant. Patience will be key, but they should also not shy away from playing their natural game when the right opportunities arise.
Editor: do you see India being able to level the series with a victory in this match?
Ravi Kumar: It’s definitely within their grasp! If they can maintain their current momentum and minimize mistakes, they have the talent to chase this score down. Cricket is unpredictable, but this match has showcased how quickly fortunes can change.
Editor: Thank you, Ravi! We look forward to seeing how the rest of the match unfolds.
Ravi Kumar: My pleasure! Let’s hope for an exciting finish!