Despite a strong performance from the bowlers, the Indian batting lineup struggled yet again, ending day one of the third Test against New Zealand at 86/4. With losses in the previous two Tests, the Indian team is facing the possibility of a 3-0 series defeat. Left-arm spinner Jadeja led the bowling attack with a fifer, but the Indian batters, including captain Rohit Sharma and star player Virat Kohli, fell victim to misfortune and poor timing. However, there is still hope for India as Washington Sundar's four wickets helped restrict New Zealand to 235 runs in their first innings.
India Struggles Against New Zealand in Third Test, Facing 3-0 Series Defeat
After losing the first two Tests against New Zealand, the Indian cricket team is facing the alarming prospect of a 3-0 series defeat. The Indian batting lineup has been a major concern, struggling to perform consistently throughout the series.
Day One Recap
On the opening day of the third Test in Indore, the Indian bowlers led by left-arm spinner Jadeja put up a strong performance, restricting New Zealand to 235 runs. Jadeja took five wickets, while Washington Sundar claimed four. However, the Indian batters failed to capitalize on this solid bowling effort.
Captain Rohit Sharma (22) and star player Virat Kohli (20) fell cheaply, while Shubman Gill (32) was unfortunate to be out leg before wicket to a ball that was shown to be missing leg stump on review. Cheteshwar Pujara (11) also struggled, failing to convert his start into a significant score.
Background
India won the toss and elected to field first. New Zealand's innings was anchored by Tom Latham (113), who scored his eighth Test century. Ish Sodhi contributed 36 to the tail-end resistance.
India's batting lineup has been a major concern throughout the series. In the first Test, they were bowled out for just 263 and 162, while in the second Test, they collapsed to 108 in the first innings.
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Conclusion
India will have a lot of work to do if they want to salvage anything from this Test series. The third Test is still in the balance, but the Indians must find a way to improve their batting if they want to avoid a clean sweep.
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