India’s star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin put his full array of skills on display on the second day of the third Test against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Ashwin delivered a key spell that resulted in figures of 3/63 from 16 overs, with his dismissals including Rachin Ravindra (4), Glenn Phillips (26), and Will Young (51). This marked his first impact in the game after a wicketless first innings.
Ravichandran Ashwin outsmarts Glenn Phillips
The highlight of Ashwin’s spell was his duel with Phillips, who initially hit Ashwin for two sixes, challenging the veteran spinner’s dominance. Undeterred, Ashwin adjusted his strategy by switching to over-the-wicket deliveries. This change immediately bore fruit when Ashwin bowled a carrom ball that pitched on leg stump and turned sharply, clipping the top of off stump and leaving Phillips in disbelief. Ashwin’s animated celebration included a leap and a powerful fist pump.
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Ashwin’s decisive wickets tighten India’s hold on the game
Continuing to unsettle New Zealand’s batting lineup, Ashwin soon claimed Will Young‘s wicket. Young misread the carrom ball and drove it back towards Ashwin, giving him his third breakthrough of the day. Ravindra Jadeja, Ashwin’s reliable bowling partner, provided additional support by maintaining his stellar form from the first innings, where he secured his 14th career five-wicket haul.
Ashwin’s pivotal role has strengthened India’s control in the match, with both him and Jadeja set to continue applying pressure as they head into Day 3. Notably, New Zealand have lost 9 wickets at 171 and they are still trailing India by 143 runs.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin lead India’s fightback against New Zealand on Day 2 of the 3rd Test
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