New Delhi: India will be looking to bounce back and earn a consolation victory when they lock horns with New Zealand in the 3rd Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday, November 01. New Zealand scripted history by clinching their maiden Test series on Indian soil after beating India by 113 runs in the 2nd Test in Pune. It was New Zealand’s 2nd win on the trot as they sealed the three-match series 2-0.
Tom Latham-led Kiwis not only bagged their maiden Test series victory in India but also brought an end to the hosts’ dominant run at home in the longest format. New Zealand handed India their first Test series defeat at home since 2012, ending their unbeaten streak of Test series at home. While the Kiwis will be eyeing a clean sweep, India will be looking to avoid their first whitewash at home in Test history.
India have reportedly asked for a ‘rank turner’ at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in what can be a huge gamble after their terrible batting collapse against the Kiwi spinners on a spin-friendly track in Pune. However, India have decided to go with the tried and tested method to bounce back in the series and secure a victory in the final Test.
Jasprit Bumrah to be rested?
The Indian team can make a few changes in their playing XI for the 3rd Test against New Zealand as they aim to return to winning ways. Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly set to be rested for the Mumbai Test to manage his workload. While there are no injury issues to the fast bowler, Bumrah is set to be rested to ensure he is well-rested for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia.
Mohammed Siraj can be recalled in the playing XI after being dropped from the 2nd Test to make way for Akash Deep. Siraj is likely to take Bumrah’s place in the XI. With a spin-friendly pitch expected in Mumbai, India are unlikely to disturb the trio of R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who shone with the ball in Pune.
Sundar picked up 11 wickets in the 2nd Test in Pune and was arguably the pick of the bowlers for India. Ashwin holds the record for most wickets by any bowler in Test matches at the Wankhede Stadium with 38 wickets to his name at the venue. Jadeja has played only one Test at the Wankhede Stadium and has six wickets to his name.
There are unlikely to be any changes in the playing XI with Sarfaraz Khan likely to start ahead of KL Rahul in the middle order. The onus will be on the experienced batters like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to step up against the spinners and help India register a victory in the 3rd Test to end the series 2-1 and remain in the race for a spot in the WTC final.
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