Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja made an impactful early breakthrough on Day 3 of the second Test against New Zealand, knocking out wicketkeeper Tom Blundell with a brilliant delivery that slipped between bat and pad. Blundell, who managed a composed 41 off 83 balls, was deceived by Jadeja’s inward drift, which crashed into the top of his middle stump.
This wicket relieved Jadeja and ignited Team India’s fightback, with the visitors losing their sixth wicket at 231 runs, establishing a formidable lead of over 330. New Zealand, led by Tom Latham, closed Day 2 in a commanding position at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, posting 198 for five.
Washington Sundar was instrumental on the second day, claiming four crucial wickets, while Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with a key dismissal. Jadeja’s contribution on Day 3 added fresh momentum, as he struck early to dismiss Blundell, setting the tone for the Indian attack.
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Jadeja continued his relentless spin assault, picking up his second-morning wicket by dismissing Mitchell Santner. Santner, who had been in fine form with both bat and ball, fell to Jadeja’s sharp turn and precision.
A Jadeja jaffa castles Blundell! 🔥#INDvNZ #IDFCFirstBankTestTrophy #TeamIndia #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/d4CQejhsy1
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) October 26, 2024
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin further intensified New Zealand’s troubles by removing Tim Southee with Rohit Sharma taking a swift catch. Jadeja didn’t stop there; he also claimed Ajaz Patel’s wicket, marking his third scalp of the day as New Zealand’s batting lineup stumbled to 241 for nine.
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This stirring performance by India’s spinners put the pressure squarely back on New Zealand, as they struggled to counter the turning ball on Pune’s challenging pitch. With Jadeja and Ashwin in sync, India clawed back into the game, aiming to restrict New Zealand’s lead and set up a challenging second innings for the Kiwis. The pivotal dismissals by Jadeja not only boosted India’s hopes but showcased his expertise on a spin-friendly track, underlining his crucial role in India’s bowling arsenal.
