The third Test match being played between India and New Zealand has reached an exciting turn. In the second innings, the condition of the Kiwi team is bad and the New Zealand team is all out for 174 runs. The spinners are getting tremendous help from the pitch, which has benefited Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin so far.
New Zealand may be on the back foot in the third Test, but the path to victory is not so easy for Rohit's platoon. If Team India has to play in Mumbai then its 24 year old history will have to be repeated.
India will have to repeat 24 years old history
Till now the spinners have dominated the Wankhede ground. The batsmen looked completely helpless in front of the spinning ball. The run chase is not easy for Team India even in the fourth innings. So far, the target of more than 100 runs has been successfully chased on this ground of Mumbai. South Africa had done this feat against India in the year 2000. Africa achieved victory by achieving the target of 163 runs. New Zealand's total lead is now 147 runs.
Now if Team India has to win the battle of credibility in Mumbai, then 24 years old history will have to be repeated. But the way the spin bowlers are getting turn from the pitch, it will not be easy for the Indian batsmen.
Jadeja-Ashwin stir
New Zealand's batsmen looked completely helpless in the second innings in front of Ravindra Jadeja, who took 5 wickets in the first innings. Jadeja troubled the Kiwi batsmen with his spinning balls and took 5 wickets in the second innings also. Jadeja sent Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi to the pavilion.
Ashwin also looked in form from the other end and took three big wickets. Ashwin dismissed set batsman Will Young as well as Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips. Earlier, on the basis of first innings, Team India got a lead of 28 runs. In response to New Zealand's 235 runs, the Indian team was all out for 263 runs.