Mumbai test: India squandering after strong start

MUMBAI: The Indian batters collapsed on the first day of the third and final Test match at the Wankhade Stadium on Friday after a brilliant performance from spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. At Stumps on Day 1, India are 86/4 with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant unbeaten on the crease. The hosts still trail by 149 runs.

After bowling out New Zealand for 235 runs in the first innings, India was in a strong position at 78-1 with just two overs remaining in the day. However, in the subsequent eight deliveries, they unnecessarily lost three wickets, including a run-out, to end the day at 86-4. Thus, the first day ended with New Zealand getting an unexpected advantage over the hosts.

Shubman Gill (31*) and Rishabh Pant (1*) are at the crease. Captain Rohit Sharma (18) was the first wicket to fall. The second-wicket partnership between Jaiswal (30) and Gill added 53 runs, steering India to a comfortable position. However, Jaiswal was clean bowled as he attempted an unnecessary reverse sweep off Axar Patel's delivery. The decision to send tailender Mohammad Siraj as night watchman didn't pay off as he was dismissed in the very first ball. With Virat Kohli (4) falling victim to a run-out, New Zealand ended the day's play on a high note, having gained a significant advantage.