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"We Should Wrap It Up...": R Ashwin Reveals Target Expectations For India vs New Zealand In 3rd Test

Senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin admitted that a chase of around 150 won't be very easy for the Indian batters on a not-so typical Wankhede turner, where the track is behaving differently at two ends. New Zealand ended the second day at 171 for 9 in their second innings with an overall lead of 143 which many like former India captain and head coach Anil Kumble believes is a challenging target if one factors in the track.

"Sunil Gavaskar Smashed His Plate" As Washington Sundar Bowls 5 No-balls

The Day 1 of the Mumbai Test between India and New Zealand was quite eventful, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar picking the bulk of the wickets between them. The duo combined to grab 9 wickets in the innings as the Kiwis were bowled out for 235 runs. While Sundar continued from where he left in the Pune Test, there was one aspect of his bowling that left India great Sunil Gavaskar quite disappointed. During commentary on the opening day at the Wankhede Stadium, former India coach Ravi Shastri revealed that Gavaskar smashed his plate while having lunch after seeing Sundar repeatedly bowl no-balls.

Mumbai Test Poised For Exciting Finish As Indian Spinners Reduce New Zealand To Nine Down

Exploiting the spin-friendly conditions, Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin chiselled through the New Zealand batting line-up to bring India to a stage from where they can force a face-saving victory in the third Test which is now headed for an intriguing finish. 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. This was after half-centuries from Shubman Gill (90) and Rishabh Pant (60) and a crucial 38 not out from Washington Sundar gave India a slender 28-run lead as they put on board 263.

"Barring Rishabh Pant...": Sanjay Manjrekar's Blunt 'Survival' Message To Gautam Gambhir And Co. On India's Flaws

The India vs New Zealand third Test is poised at an interesting juncture. India have reduced New Zealand to nine-down in Mumbai, bus the visitors have a lead of 143 runs at stumps on Day 2. If the last Kiwi pair cane push the lead to even 160s, it will be a tricky affair for India batting at the Wankhede Stadium in the fourth innings. India are already down 2-0 in the three-match series, and need to win or draw this match to avoid being clean-sweeped at home. After New Zealand were restricted to 235 in the first innings, India took a slender lead as they were out for 263 in the first innings.

Watch: 38-Year-Old Ravichandran Ashwin Takes "Greatest Catch Of His Career" vs NZ, World In Awe

Not only did Ravichandran Ashwin return to form with the ball, he also set the fielding standards on Day 2 of the third Test between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With Daryl Mitchell and Will Young stitching up a 50-run partnership, a moment of magic was needed to break it. That moment of magic was provided by Ashwin. Not reputed for being lightning quick in the outfield, Ashwin completed a tremendous catch, running back from mid-on.

Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal Nearly Hits Sarfaraz Khan With Ball, Virat Kohli Does This During India vs NZ Test

The second day of the third India vs New Zealand Test in Mumbai presented an intriguing contest. While the visitors were nine wickets down, their lead is 143 runs. On a tricky Mumbai pitch in the fourth innings, it will not be easy for Rohit Sharma and co. to chase down even a low target. Once again Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja worked their magic, sharing seven wickets between them. While Jadeja grabbed four, Ashwin got three. The support from the fielders was also good.

"Waste. India Committing Harakiri": Ravi Shastri Livid After Virat Kohli Run Out In 3rd Test

Virat Kohli's knock in the first innings of the third Test against New Zealand came to an abrupt end as he was run out on just four runs. Kohli had walked in to bat in the final overs of Day 1, but was dismissed before Stumps could be called. Kohli, who is reputed for his running between the wickets, fell short of his ground after a direct hit by New Zealand pacer Matt Henry. Former India coach Ravi Shastri, who was on commentary, wasn't best pleased.

Watch: Akash Deep Sends Bails Flying, Clean Bowls New Zealand Captain Tom Latham. Internet Goes Wild

Akash Deep made a sensational start to the second innings of the third Test against New Zealand. Opening the bowling, Akash Deep clean bowled New Zealand captain Tom Latham in the very first over. In the fourth ball of the first over, Akash Deep had trapped Latham on the pads, to which the umpire gave out LBW. However, the decision was overturn after Latham took a DRS Review. The very next ball, Akash Deep responded with aplomb, completely dismantling Latham's stumps.

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"We Should Wrap It Up...": R Ashwin Reveals Target Expectations For India vs New Zealand In 3rd Test

"Sunil Gavaskar Smashed His Plate" As Washington Sundar Bowls 5 No-balls

Mumbai Test Poised For Exciting Finish As Indian Spinners Reduce New Zealand To Nine Down

"Barring Rishabh Pant...": Sanjay Manjrekar's Blunt 'Survival' Message To Gautam Gambhir And Co. On India's Flaws

Watch: 38-Year-Old Ravichandran Ashwin Takes "Greatest Catch Of His Career" vs NZ, World In Awe

Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal Nearly Hits Sarfaraz Khan With Ball, Virat Kohli Does This During India vs NZ Test

"Waste. India Committing Harakiri": Ravi Shastri Livid After Virat Kohli Run Out In 3rd Test

Watch: Akash Deep Sends Bails Flying, Clean Bowls New Zealand Captain Tom Latham. Internet Goes Wild