The third Test between India and New Zealand is at an interesting juncture. India reduced New Zealand to nine overs in Mumbai, with the visitors taking a 143-run lead at stumps on the second day. If the last Kiwi pair of sticks pushes the lead to the 160s, India’s batting will be a tricky affair. 4th inning, Wankhede Stadium. India have already lost the three-match series 2-0 and need to win or draw this match to avoid a crushing defeat at home. After New Zealand were restricted to 235 in their first innings, India took a slight lead as they were out for 263 in their first innings.
Former India star Sanjay Manjrekar was not happy with the batting style of Indian batsmen, especially against spin. “First of all, batting coaches can slowly introduce Indeed batsmen to the wonders of back-foot play versus spinners. It makes it easier to survive and score runs as well. Barring Pant, all the leading batsmen have gone for front-foot spin.” Manjrekar wrote in
First of all, batting coaches can slowly introduce Indian batsmen to the wonders of backfoot play vs. spinners. Run to score as well because it will make your survival easier. Barring Pant, all the major batsmen have bowled spin on the front foot. #INDvNZ
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) November 2, 2024
Afterwards, New Zealand’s batters also appeared to collapse in the second inning. Manjrekar wrote: “Post 2000 – I’ll do my best until I get a ball with my name on it. Before 2000 – It’s not that bad of a pitch. I’ll just stand there and wait for a loose ball from a tired bowler. Thinking influenced by current culture and ability here There is no right or wrong.”
After 2000 – Let’s do our best until we get a ball with my name on it.
Before 2000 – Not such a bad pitch. I will stay there and wait for a loose ball from a tired bowler.
The way you think is influenced by your current culture and capabilities. There is no right or wrong here.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) November 2, 2024
Senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin admitted that the chase of around 150 would not be very easy for the Indian batsmen in a not-so-typical Wankhede turner with the track behaving differently at both ends.
New Zealand finished the second day on 171 for 9 in their second innings and a lead of 143, which many, such as former India captain and coach Anil Kumble, believe is a challenging target considering the track.
“Hopefully not too many. We’ll have to finish with a run or two here and there. The runs saved in this innings will be much more important. It won’t be easy. We’ll have to bat really well.” Ashwin spoke to his former teammate Dinesh Karthik in a snap interview on Jio Cinema.
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