What To Expect From Day 2 Of IND vs NZ 3rd Test In Mumbai?

Bhargav Dixit

Shubman Gill batted with a strike rate of 81.57 on Day 1. [Source: PTI]Shubman Gill batted with a strike rate of 81.57 on Day 1. [Source: PTI]

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Had Indian batters not committed hara-kiri in the last two overs of the first day of the third Test match against New Zealand in Mumbai, this piece would’ve read entirely different. However, with the hosts losing three wickets and one review within a space of eight balls, they ended the third session of the match on a bizarre note.

While bundling out New Zealand for 235 in 65.4 overs after visiting captain Tom Latham won the toss and opted to bat first handed India with a head-start like no other, finishing the day on 86/4 in 19 overs has instilled fear like no other.

Here’s what fans can expect on Day 2 at the Wankhede Stadium:

Demons Come When They’re Called

Nothing better than this age-old quote justifies what India did to themselves today. In perhaps what has been the story of this series, Indian cricketers have managed to call the demons to dig their own graves several times.

As a result, it is not surprising to find them on the verge of getting whitewashed 0-3 in a Test series at home for the first time. With four more days remaining in the match, such an expectation might appear an exaggeration to a lot. That being said, considering how well the Kiwis have played on this tour, one has no option but to give it to them for forcing their counterparts to commit errors on a regular basis.

Assuming India show no signs of improvement immediately, one has no option but to presume their downfall yet again in what has been a forgettable series till now.

Unlike New Zealand, India Justify Historical Data

All, however, is not gloomy for the home team. Readers must note that 334.5 is the average innings total in the second innings of Test matches at the Wankhede Stadium. Although New Zealand fell short of the average first innings total of 335.1 by 100 runs, India will find themselves in a dominating position assuming they justify historical data. A 100-run lead on a pitch like this has it in it for India to avoid an infamous drubbing.

Will India Take Refuge In Small Partnerships?

Having picked his 14th five-wicket haul in the format in what is only his second Test at this ground, India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja deserved to be listened to on the back of emerging as the best player on Day 1.

“We need to build small partnerships and need to take the score past 235,” Jadeja told host broadcaster Jio Cinema at Stumps, Day 1. However, the fact that he categorically mentioned a number, is a significant hint about how run-scoring won’t be easy on this surface.

If the pitch increases its likeliness towards spinners on Saturday, anticipate one 60-70 run partnership putting India in the driver's seat. Ideally, India should be confident of going past the aforementioned total because neither of their remaining batters is a walking wicket.

Sarfaraz Khan Stands Tall At His Home Ground

Among the least experienced Indian cricketers in the current Playing XI, Sarfaraz Khan is expected to stand tall on his potential at his home ground. In spite of the fact that he’s playing his first international match at the Wankhede, Sarfaraz’s truckloads of experience of playing for Mumbai here should inspire India to bank on him.

For those who don’t know, the 27-year-old player has amassed 601 runs across six first-class innings here. If an astronomical average of 150.25 is not enough, he is among the five batters (including Rishabh Pant) to have scored a triple century at this iconic venue.