The iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is ready to host a thrilling encounter as India and New Zealand clash in the third and final Test of their series. With the Kiwis having already secured a historic series victory, the stakes remain high for India as they aim to salvage some pride and gain crucial points in the World Test Championship (WTC) race.
New Zealand, led by Tom Latham, won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to continue their dominant performance from the previous Test in Pune. India, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from their consecutive defeats and end the series on a high note.
WTC implications
This match holds significant importance for India's WTC aspirations. With a five-match series against Australia looming on the horizon, India needs to secure victories in at least four of their remaining six matches to have a shot at reaching their third consecutive WTC final. A win in Mumbai would not only boost their points tally but also provide a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the challenging Australian tour.
Spinners in focus
The Wankhede pitch is expected to offer assistance to the spinners, making it a battleground for the tweakers from both sides. India is likely to field a three-pronged spin attack with Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. However, they will need to be wary of New Zealand's spin duo of Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner, who have both enjoyed success against India in recent times.
Ajaz Patel, in particular, will be a threat, having taken all 10 wickets in an innings the last time these two teams met at the Wankhede in 2021. Mitchell Santner, fresh off a 13-wicket haul in Pune, will also be eager to continue his impressive form.
This Test match is not just about cricketing skills; it's a test of character for the Indian team. They will need to overcome the disappointment of the series defeat and showcase their resilience and determination to secure a win. The Wankhede crowd, known for its passionate support, will be hoping to witness a fighting performance from the Men in Blue.
Can India salvage some pride and secure crucial WTC points? Or will New Zealand complete a series whitewash and further solidify their position as a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket?
