India's recent performances in Test cricket have been disappointing, culminating in a rare series defeat against New Zealand in their own backyard. In the Pune Test, India succumbed to a 113-run loss, adding to the woes of an already dismal campaign that began in Bengaluru, where they were shockingly bowled out for just 46 runs in their first innings, ultimately losing the match by 8 wickets. With the series currently favouring the Black Caps at 2-0, India find itself in a precarious situation. The first day of the final Test, which began on Friday, painted a similar picture, if not completely. India, despite having the upper hand, lost three wickets in the last ten minutes to finish the opening day at 86-4. Among the three sent back was Yashasvi Jaiswal (30), who was bowled by left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel (2-33) while playing the reverse sweep with a couple of overs left in the day. A defeat, hence, would mark the first time India have been whitewashed at home in a Test series since the 1999-2000 season. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting as India seeks to avoid an ignominious conclusion to this series and restore its reputation on the international stage. Also Read: Wankhede woes: India’s fragile end to a promising day In their first innings, India’s bowlers excelled, restricting South Africa to 176 runs and establishing a 49-run lead. However, the situation deteriorated for the Men in Blue in their second innings, where they collapsed spectacularly, bowled out for a mere 113 runs. This left South Africa requiring only 164 runs to secure victory. Openers Gary Kirsten and Herschelle Gibbs provided a solid foundation, forging a partnership of 51 runs for the first wicket. Although the Proteas lost a few wickets during their chase, Jacques Kallis and Mark Boucher remained composed, guiding their team to the target with relative ease. Despite India’s defeat, Sachin Tendulkar was a standout performer, scoring an impressive 97 runs and earning the Player of the Match award for his efforts. The last time India faced a clean sweep at home in a multi-match Test series was during February-March 2000 against South Africa, when they lost both matches. Led by Sachin Tendulkar, the first Test was held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where South Africa emerged victorious by four wickets. India batted first but struggled, posting only 225 runs on the board.
02 November,2024 03:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAkash Deep made an early breakthrough after India fought hard to take a slender first-innings lead against New Zealand, with the visitors reaching 26/1 at tea on the second day of the final Test here on Saturday. New Zealand trail India be two runs. India, who folded for 263 in reply to New Zealand's 235, took a lead of 28 runs after Shubman Gill (90) missed his century and Ajaz Patel (5/103) found his mojo to claim another five-for. Akash provided a rare sight of a pacer disturbing a batter's furniture on a turning track when he dismantled Tom Latham's (1) off and middle stumps in the first over. But Will Young (8 not out) and Devon Conway (15 not out) did well to thwart India's challenge and ensure no further damage was caused. Earlier, India's remarkable progress given the plight of their batting took a severe blow with the exit of Rishabh Pant (60) towards the end of the morning session, as its effects were felt acutely when play resumed post lunch. From Pant's dismissal in the 38th over to India eventually folding in the 60th, the team managed eight fours and two sixes ¿ the wicketkeeper-batter alone hit that many during his brisk half-century earlier. Also Read: Throwback to when India last played a Test at Wankhede Patel, finding the right length, reaped rewards as the Kiwi spinner claimed another five-for at the Wankhede Stadium, following up his world record 10/119 in the first innings of the 2021 Test here. From 180 for five, India folded for 263 with Gill falling short of his landmark while others continued to disappoint. Perhaps, there was no greater disappointment than to see Sarfaraz Khan looking like a fish out of water during his four-ball struggle, failing to open his account at his home turf where at times he has plundered runs for fun. Sarfaraz failed to read the length of his first ball and went for a mighty sweep against Patel in his pomp, but was beaten by the bounce and turn on the next. He might have fallen on the third ball when it bounced off his glove but there was no silly point. But he had to walk back when the bounce and turn had the ball settling in 'keeper Tom Blundell's gloves after kissing the shoulder of his bat. Gill, who showed no flaws in his 146-ball stay with seven fours and a six ¿ longest for any batter in this Test ¿ was also among Patel's victims on the day as the Mumbai-origin Kiwi spinner had him caught at the first slip after a fine knock. Ravindra Jadeja (14) too was caught at first slip, albeit off Glenn Phillips, as Washington Sundar waged a lone battle among the three all-rounders scoring a brisk 36-ball 38 not out with four boundaries and two sixes. (With agency inputs)
02 November,2024 03:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLeft-arm spinner Ajaz Patel (5/103) grabbed five wickets to help New Zealand dismiss India for 263 as the hosts took a slender 28-run first-innings lead in the IND vs NZ 3rd Test on Saturday. Resuming at their overnight score of 86/4, Rishabh Pant (60) played a counter-attacking innings and raced to his fifty, while Shubman Gill (90) missed out on a hundred by 10 runs. New Zealand were guilty of dropping a couple of catches but Ish Sodhi found the breakthrough for the tourists when he trapped Pant leg before in the 38th over. Also Read: Ball boys keep cool as Ind-Nz battle it out amid Wankhede's sweltering heat Pant's wicket slowed India's momentum even as Gill continued to erase the deficit. Patel, who picked two wickets on the opening day, added to his tally by claiming Gill, Sarfaraz Khan and R Ashwin. IND vs NZ 3rd Test: Brief Scores New Zealand 1st inning 235 all out in 65.4.1 overs (Daryl Mitchell 82, Will Young 71; Ravindra Jadeja 5/65, Washington Sundar 4/81) India 1st innings: 263 all out in 59.4 overs (Shubman Gill 90, Rishabh Pant 60; Ajaz Patel 5/103) More updates to follow...
02 November,2024 01:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndia's recent performances in Test cricket have been disappointing, culminating in a rare series defeat against New Zealand in their own backyard. In the Pune Test, India succumbed to a 113-run loss, adding to the woes of an already dismal campaign that began in Bengaluru, where they were shockingly bowled out for just 46 runs in their first innings, ultimately losing the match by 8 wickets. With the series currently favouring the Black Caps at 2-0, India find itself in a precarious situation. The first day of the final Test, which began on Friday, painted a similar picture, if not completely. India, despite having the upper hand, lost three wickets in the last ten minutes to finish the opening day at 86-4. Among the three sent back was Yashasvi Jaiswal (30), who was bowled by left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel (2-33) while playing the reverse sweep with a couple of overs left in the day. A defeat, hence, would mark the first time India have been whitewashed at home in a Test series since the 1999-2000 season. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting as India seeks to avoid an ignominious conclusion to this series and restore its reputation on the international stage. Also Read: Wankhede woes: India’s fragile end to a promising day Throwback to India vs New Zealand Test series, 2021 The last Test match India played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium was held between December 3 and 6 in 2021, where the India triumphed over New Zealand by a staggering 372 runs. The match was the second in a two-match IND vs NZ series, following a draw in the first Test at Green Park, Kanpur. Under the leadership of Virat Kohli, India was determined to secure a decisive victory. Winning the toss, India opted to bat first, setting a strong foundation for their innings. Openers Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill provided an impressive start, with Agarwal scoring a commendable 150 runs and Gill contributing 44. The team concluded their first innings at a total of 325 runs. A remarkable highlight of this innings was the outstanding performance by New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel, who etched his name in history by claiming all ten wickets, finishing with remarkable figures of 10 for 119. Also Read: Ball boys keep cool as Ind-Nz battle it out amid Wankhede's sweltering heat In reply, New Zealand faced a daunting challenge and faltered in their first innings, managing a mere 62 runs. The Indian bowlers showcased their dominance, with Ravi Ashwin leading the charge, taking 4 wickets, while Mohammed Siraj supported him well with three wickets. With a commanding lead of 263 runs, India declared their second innings at 276 for 7, setting an imposing target of 540 runs for the visitors. In their final innings, New Zealand struggled against the relentless Indian attack and was eventually bowled out for 167 runs. Daryl Mitchell and Henry Nicholls emerged as the only notable scorers for the Kiwis, with 60 and 44 runs, respectively. Despite their efforts, the challenge proved too great, and India secured a resounding victory by 372 runs.
02 November,2024 01:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOvernight batsmen Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant counter-attacked with half-centuries as India closed in on New Zealand's first-innings 235 on day two of the third Test on Saturday. India were 195-5, trailing by 40 runs, when lunch was called a few minutes early because of an issue with an overhead television camera at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Gill, on 70, and Ravindra Jadeja, on 10, were batting at the break on the spin-friendly pitch. Pant smashed 60 off 59 balls with eight fours and two sixes in a 96-run stand with Gill before being trapped lbw by leg-spinner Ish Sodhi. Also Read: How no-balls led Sunil Gavaskar to 'smash plate on the wall' at Wankhede Resuming on 86-4, the batsmen came out aggressively as India look to avoid an embarrassing 3-0 series whitewash on home soil. The left-handed Pant smashed Mumbai-born New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel for three boundaries in the opening over. Also Read: Pant's explosive 36-ball fifty creates new record in Test cricket by an Indian Gill hit a four off Ajaz but survived a reprieve on 45 by substitute fielder Mark Chapman, who failed to hang on to a high catch off Glenn Phillips' bowling while running in from long-on. Gill reached his fifty with a single and Pant kept up the attack with regular boundaries to raise his half-ton in 36 balls. Matt Henry dropped Pant on 53 but the spill -- again off Phillips -- did not ultimately prove costly. India had begun their reply strongly on day one but slipped from 78-1 to 84-4 in a final 10 minutes of mayhem that ended with Virat Kohli run out for four while attempting a cheeky single. The Black Caps sealed their first-ever Test series win in India with victory in the second Test at Pune. (With inputs from agencies)
02 November,2024 12:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRishabh Pant showcased his return to form on Day 2 of the IND vs NZ 3rd Test, leading India through a challenging phase in the game. Pant unleashed his signature flair and aggression on a scorching Saturday morning at Mumbai's Wankhede, taking control against New Zealand bowlers and shifting the momentum back in India’s favour alongside Shubman Gill. The 27-year-old made history by setting a new Indian record for the fastest Test fifty, reaching the milestone in a mere 36 balls. His explosive innings included seven boundaries and two sixes, surpassing the previous record held by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a 41-ball fifty in Pune during the same series. Pant's achievement further solidified his status, as he also holds the record for the fastest Test fifty by an Indian batter overall, achieved in just 28 balls against Sri Lanka in 2022. The all-time record remains with former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who scored a fifty in 21 balls against Australia in 2014. Also Read: Wankhede woes: India’s fragile end to a promising day Meanwhile, India operated at nearly six runs per over, with both Pant and Gill applying pressure on the New Zealand attack. The visitors had taken the upper hand after India's late collapse on Day 1, leaving the home side in a precarious position. However, Pant and Gill effectively countered this pressure, carefully navigating the conditions while punishing any loose deliveries. Gill, who also reached his half-century during this session, benefited from a reprieve when Mark Chapman dropped a catch with him on 45. In contrast, Pant played a flawless innings, confidently advancing down the track to clear the spinners with ease. The enthusiastic crowd in attendance revelled in the dynamic play from the two young batters. India on Friday experienced a dramatic shift in momentum when they fell from a promising 78 for 1 to 84 for 4 within a mere 15 minutes. Jaiswal was dismissed attempting a reverse sweep, while nightwatchman Mohammed Siraj fell for a duck. Virat Kohli’s run-out for just four runs added to the tension, leaving India in a precarious situation as they headed to stumps. Despite this tumultuous start, Pant and Gill began the day with purpose, steadily eroding New Zealand's first-innings lead and restoring hope for India as they sought to turn the match in their favour.
02 November,2024 11:19 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFrustration mounted for many as India's spin bowlers grappled with their footing on the first day of the IND vs NZ 3rd Test at Mumbai's Wankhede on Friday. Both Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja struggled with no-balls, contributing to the team's woes. In a humorous moment, former India coach Ravi Shastri quipped that the ongoing overstepping was becoming too much for his co-commentator and former teammate, Sunil Gavaskar, who reportedly shattered a plate during lunch due to his exasperation. "Sunil Gavaskar was having lunch. He smashed the plate on the wall," Shastri said on air. "Thank god he is not fielding in the slip. Washington would have been close to Washington DC." Also Read: Wankhede woes: India’s fragile end to a promising day India collectively bowled nine no-balls in their innings, with only one delivered by a pacer, Akash Deep. The remaining eight were divided between Sundar, who overstepped five times, and Jadeja, who had three infractions. India on Friday did well to keep New Zealand to 235 after the visitors won the toss with Mitchell top-scoring with 82, but the hosts lost wickets in heap towards the end to be placed at a precarious position of 86 for four, trailing by another 149 runs. More updates to follow...
02 November,2024 11:02 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNewly appointed Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting has outlined a bold vision for the franchise, shedding light on the strategic overhaul he has in mind as the team heads into IPL 2025. With the recent announcement of the IPL retention lists, Ponting’s approach for Punjab Kings signals a shift as the franchise prepares to take a unique route, retaining only two uncapped players, Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh, and choosing to let go of star players like South African pacer Kagiso Rabada, England’s Sam Curran, and Indian quick Arshdeep Singh. Talking to The ICC Review, Ponting shared his excitement for this new venture. "I’m most excited about a new, fresh start. It starts to come together today, with the retention list. It’s well documented as to what I’ve done with Punjab," Ponting noted, adding that the team is well-equipped with the biggest auction purse, which opens doors for an ambitious and dynamic squad rebuild. “We’re only going in with two uncapped players, and we’re going into the auction with the biggest purse by a long way. So, we’ve got the ability to put a whole squad of players together,” he stated confidently. Also Read: IPL 2025: What does Ricky Ponting's appointment as coach mean for Punjab Kings? After years of struggle, with the franchise failing to make the playoffs since 2014, Ponting is committed to reshaping Punjab Kings both on and off the field. Acknowledging the franchise’s past, Ponting emphasised his desire for a “fresh start” and revealed plans to instill a new ethos into the team. “The main and most important thing for me is making this whole franchise different. Making it different from outside, making the results on-field look different," Ponting said. "I want us to be the most dynamic and most entertaining franchise and group of players in the IPL.” Ponting has recruited a few new coaching staff to support his vision, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Punjab Kings. Beyond performance, Ponting sees entertainment and dynamism as central to Punjab’s game plan. The goal is to engage fans and bring an appealing brand of cricket to the IPL, thus boosting the franchise's competitiveness and entertainment value. Adding to the drama of IPL 2025, Ponting expressed surprise at the notable players released by other franchises, including prominent Indian players like Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul. “There are a lot of exciting players. So many. I’m a bit surprised with some of the non-Indian retentions if you like, with both Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant being available in the auctions,” he commented. “It was a bit surprising, even KL Rahul to a certain degree. It seems like individuals or franchises are busy looking to move in different directions with some of their players.” Ponting’s observation suggests that the auction dynamics this year could be even more strategic than before. He stressed the importance of precision at the auction table: "This is where it gets exciting. You’ve got to understand who your number one target is and how much money you are willing to pay for them. That’s such a big part of it (IPL), of getting the auction right strategy-wise." According to Ponting, fine-tuning these details and aligning the coaching staff’s strategies will be vital to Punjab’s success. Ponting also commented on MS Dhoni’s continuing tenure with Chennai Super Kings. Dhoni, now 43, remains an integral part of the team as both player and leader, with Chennai opting to retain their iconic captain. Ponting believes that Dhoni's experience and influence will be a tremendous asset to Chennai, whether or not he plays every game. “Two seasons back, he had his worst season, but then last year he bounced back to really have some impact on the game. MS Dhoni evolved. I think it might be the same, though they might not look at getting him through the season, maybe resting him for a game or two," Ponting suggested. Recognising Dhoni’s natural leadership abilities, Ponting added, “We shouldn’t forget that he’s been injured over the last couple of seasons, but any team he is going to be in, he’ll be a mentor and leader of that group - whether he’s playing or on the sidelines. That’s just who he is. That’s why he’s so important to Chennai, for the leadership he brings, on and off the field.” (With agency inputs)
02 November,2024 08:28 AM IST | Dubai | mid-day online correspondentFormer New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull took a dig at Team India as the hosts sent Mohammed Siraj as nightwatchman following opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's dismissal on Day 1 of the the third and final Test of the series at the Wankhade Stadium on Friday. India will begin Day 2 with Shubman Gill (31*) and Rishabh Pant (1*) at the crease as the hosts work to close the 149-run deficit. "I don't like the term night watchman being used for a tail end or a lower-order play. Why not Ravichandran Ashwin? If you're going to have a player out in the middle that has to be able to play, you can't just send a bowler out there for the sake of sending a bowler out there. If it was going to be anyone that had to be Ashwin because he could actually bat. He'll get through the night and then he'll come tomorrow and he'll score you runs because he's good enough to do that," Doull said while talking on Sports18. Also Read: Wankhede woes: India’s fragile end to a promising day Further, the cricketer-turned-commentator asserted that sending a player of number 10 or 11 position player as nightwatchman in turning conditions is a big mistake. "The New Zealand spinners hadn't actually bowled that well, uh, there's a couple that went past the bat, but it wasn't consistent enough. So to send a player out there who generally bats 10 or 11 and is not proficient against spin in turning conditions, I thought it was a big mistake first and foremost. If Virat Kohli, he's not gonna come out, and I totally understand it. There are a lot of batters around the world that do that would prefer to have a night watchman, would prefer to be out there tomorrow. But send in a guy who can play please," the 55-year-old added. Recapping India's innings on Day 1 of the Mumbai Test, in the last couple of overs, just when India appeared to be in control, fortune favoured the visitors, who seized the opportunity swiftly. As India looked set for a strong finish, they lost three wickets in the final two overs of the day, dramatically shifting the game's momentum. Ajaz Patel delivered a double-wicket maiden, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal (30) and nightwatchman Mohammed Siraj (0) on consecutive balls. India's troubles deepened in the last over when Virat Kohli (4) was run out following a quick throw from Matt Henry, unable to cross the crease in time.With India reduced to 86/4 and still trailing by 149 runs. (With agency inputs)
02 November,2024 08:26 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRohit Sharma’s India and Tom Latham’s New Zealanders were not the only ones (along with the on-field umpires) who were challenged by the hot and humid 32-degree conditions at Wankhede on Friday. The 30-odd U-14 players, who were stationed as ball boys on the boundary ropes, should be factored in too. Despite the oppressive conditions, every ball boy appeared keen to do his ‘duty’ and they were seen offering water bottles to India and Kiwi fielders near the long-on or long-off ropes. “This is my first international match as a ball boy. It’s a big opportunity for me to learn something from our star cricketers,” said a ball boy about his maiden experience. Veteran sports journalists Ayaz Memon (left) and G Viswanath in the Wankhede Stadium press box yesterday “We rotate a group of 15 to give everyone a chance to watch a Test and big players at the venue. They will get inspired by watching them play and one day, some of them may be in the middle playing for Mumbai and India,” said Mumbai Cricket Association secretary Abhay Hadap. And we all know the story about how cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar was a ball boy during the 1987 World Cup! 1988 veterans in the box Quite a few among the 50-odd journalists covering the third and final Test between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium are regulars on the circuit. However, also present were two writers, who reported on the 1988 Test in Mumbai which the Kiwis under John Wright won — Ayaz Memon and G Viswanath.Before the Bangalore Test triumph earlier in this series, the 1988 victory was the last Test NZ won in India. While Memon and Viswanath were lapping up the excitement on Friday, this diarist was informed how they were among the handful of Indian journalists who covered India’s 1983 World Cup in England. They both wrote for the same publication then — Sportsweek magazine. They remembered how NZ in 1988 were well served by off-spinner John Bracewell, who claimed eight wickets (2-81 and 6-51) apart from scoring 52 in the first innings. “Bracewell, bowled really well in that match. He was a classical off-spinner. Dilip Vengsarkar was India captain and that was India’s left-arm pacer Rashid Patel’s first and only Test [Patel went wicketless in his 14 overs in the game]. “One of the Indian journalists had written that NZ were no good and won’t win. After the game, some Kiwi players including Bracewell came below the press box to tell him [journalist] to get down where they were,” recalled Memon, who covered that game for this newspaper and Sportsweek then. Also Read: Wankhede woes: India’s fragile end to a promising day Viswanath, who covered that game for The Hindu newspaper, said: “The most memorable part for me was Bracewell’s competitive nature. He showcased a fighting spirit. He was a good off-break bowler and a good batsman, who scored a vital half-century. “Earlier, Test matches used to be six-day affairs with the fourth day as a rest day. Wankhede’s old press box used to be full then too,” said Viswanath about the November 24-29 Test which India lost by 136 runs. Mumbai had the numbers Though Mumbaikars are celebrating Diwali, around 20,000 cricket lovers headed to the Wankhede to witness a Test in a series that India have already lost. Cricket fans reached the venue well before Kiwi captain Tom Latham walked out to bat with Devon Conway on Friday morning. The Wankhede Stadium can accommodate 33,000 spectators. Indian team supporters were seen encouraging their favourite stars by shouting Rohit, Rohit and Virat, Virat during the NZ innings. They took great delight in applauding Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar for their nine NZ wickets as they returned to the dressing room after bowling out the Kiwis for 235. However, their utter silence indicated how stunned they were over Kohli’s run out.
02 November,2024 08:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh MayureMiddle-order batsman Daryl Mitchell, who overcame dehydration to score a fighting 82 to help NZ post 235 against India on Friday, expressed delight in being able to contribute to his team’s cause in challenging conditions. “We put a total on the board. Hopefully, now we can take a few more wickets and we’ll see what happens tomorrow [Saturday]. But yeah, the game is evenly poised,” Mitchell said on Friday. Mitchell, 33, who shared a 87-run fourth wicket stand with Will Young (71, 4x4, 2x6), added: “I am really proud to have contributed to putting a score on the board for the team and to do it in what were challenging conditions. Really proud to do it with my Fern on my chest.” Also Read: Tensions rise as Rohit, Mitchell spar over Sarfaraz, Pant's provocative actions at Wankhede He revealed how he recharged himself in the tea break when he was unbeaten on 53: “Obviously that tea break was good timing. I jumped in the ice bath and sat in there for about 10 minutes so I definitely came out feeling a lot better after that. “It’s pretty warm out there today [Friday], the humidity was pretty sticky and there wasn’t a lot of breeze. For us back home, it’s the middle of winter so this is always a good challenge. It’s good fun and that’s why you play Test cricket… to test yourself in these conditions. I’m very proud to get the job done and contribute to the team.”
02 November,2024 07:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh MayureADVERTISEMENT
