The atmosphere at the Wankhede Stadium took a surprising turn during Day 2 of the final Test between India and New Zealand when the spidercam abruptly halted mid-operation, leading to an unexpected interruption in play. This technical glitch occurred just before the lunch break on Saturday, November 2, prompting the umpires to call for an early break.
The day began with India at 86 for four after New Zealand had been bowled out for 235 in their first innings. Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill came to the rescue, adopting a bold counter-attacking strategy to push back against the Kiwi bowlers. Both batsmen showcased their skills, reaching half-centuries in the 30th over bowled by Ish Sodhi.
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Shubman Gill achieved his fifty with impressive efficiency, needing only 66 balls, while Pant was particularly explosive, reaching the milestone in just 36 balls. In a strategic move, India decided to promote Ravindra Jadeja ahead of Sarfaraz Khan to maintain a left-right batting combination in the middle order. Jadeja joined Gill, and together they steered India to a commendable 195 for five by the end of the 43rd over.
However, just as Ajaz Patel was preparing to bowl his second over of a new spell, the spidercam malfunctioned and landed awkwardly on the field, prompting the on-field umpires, Michael Gough and Richard Illingworth, to halt the game for discussion.
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The Kiwi players found humour in the situation, sharing laughs on the field, with Daryl Mitchell engaging in playful banter with the umpires while technicians worked to resolve the issue. Once the problem was addressed, the umpires signaled for a lunch break, resulting in the players returning to the dressing rooms slightly ahead of schedule.
— Pandit Pranoob (@pranoob76889) November 2, 2024
After the break, Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips resumed proceedings for New Zealand. In the fourth over of the second session, Phillips dismissed Jadeja, who edged a delivery to Mitchell at first slip. The following over saw Sarfaraz Khan’s unfortunate dismissal for a four-ball duck, as he misjudged a turning delivery from Ajaz, resulting in a catch to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, marking New Zealand’s seventh wicket.
