India’s struggles against spin continued in the second innings of the third Test against New Zealand at Mumbai, as Ravindra Jadeja became the latest casualty to Ajaz Patel’s relentless spin attack. Jadeja, who initially looked confident, eventually fell victim to a sharply spinning delivery, leaving India in a challenging position.
On the final ball of the 16th over, Ajaz Patel, New Zealand’s left-arm spinner, delivered a well-placed length ball just outside off-stump. The ball gripped the pitch and spun sharply back towards Jadeja, who attempted to whip it toward the on-side. However, the left-hander failed to make clean contact, getting only an inside edge onto his pad. The ball ballooned up to the right of Will Young, positioned at short leg, who instantly recognized the opportunity.
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Young reacted swiftly, keeping his eyes locked on the ball as it hung in the air. With a quick dive to his right, he extended his hand and completed an impressive one-handed catch, showcasing not only his alertness but also his athleticism in a crucial moment. This spectacular grab gave New Zealand a vital breakthrough, adding pressure to India’s already shaky batting lineup.
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Ajaz Patel’s dismissal of Jadeja marked yet another success in his impressive spell, emphasizing his command over India’s batters throughout the series. Patel’s ability to extract significant turns and use the conditions to his advantage continued to haunt the Indian lineup, as they struggled to negotiate the challenging surface and adapt to the bounce and spin he generated.
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This wicket also highlighted Patel’s effective partnership with the New Zealand fielders, who were consistently on high alert to capitalize on any misstep from India’s batters. Young’s brilliant catch not only rewarded Patel’s persistent line and length but also reaffirmed New Zealand’s fielding prowess, contributing to their effort to stifle India’s scoring opportunities.
