In a critical breakthrough during the early stages of the third Test between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium, Akash Deep struck with a sharp inswinger, trapping Devon Conway LBW (leg before wicket) and giving India a key early wicket.
India strikes early as Akash Deep dismisses Devon Conway
New Zealand, having won the toss and elected to bat, faced some early pressure as Akash Deep found movement off the deck to send Conway back to the pavilion.
In the third over, on the second ball, Akash Deep delivered a full-length ball with a subtle inward seam movement that caught Conway off guard. The delivery skidded through, evading Conway’s inside edge and rapping him on the back leg in line with the stumps. India’s fielders went up in a convincing appeal, and the umpire wasted no time in raising his finger. Conway, after a brief discussion with captain Tom Latham, decided to review, but ball-tracking confirmed it was hitting the top of middle stump.
The review revealed three reds on HawkEye, confirming the umpire’s original decision. With no inside edge, as confirmed by ultraEdge, New Zealand’s hopes of overturning the decision quickly vanished, and Conway was dismissed lbw by Akash Deep. The early dismissal of Conway, who managed only 4 off 11 balls with a single boundary, left New Zealand 15/1, setting a challenging tone for the visitors on a lively pitch.
Here’s the video:
Akash Deep traps Devon Conway early 👏
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Washington Sundar adds to India’s momentum
Following Conway’s dismissal, New Zealand faced further setbacks before lunch. Washington Sundar claimed two wickets, adding to India’s momentum. Despite a steady 38 not out from Will Young, New Zealand found themselves in a cautious rebuilding phase as Daryl Mitchell joined him at the crease. At the lunch break, New Zealand reached 92/3 in 27 overs, with Young anchoring the innings and Mitchell cautiously playing on 11.
Sundar’s spell was instrumental in keeping New Zealand’s batting unit under pressure with figures of 2/26 in 8 overs. He picked up the prized scalps of inform batters Tom Latham (28) and Rachin Ravindra (5).
Also READ: IND vs NZ – Here’s why Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Starc not playing the third Test in Mumbai
