Watch: Washington Sundar’s carbon copy castles Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra in IND vs NZ third Test

IND vs NZ. (Photo Source: BCCI)

On Day 1 of the third Test match between India and New Zealand at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Washington Sundar delivered two nearly identical dismissals, castling both Kiwi captain Tom Latham and in-form batter Rachin Ravindra.

The match began with notable changes on both sides, as India’s bowling genius Jasprit Bumrah sat out due to illness, replaced by Mohammed Siraj, while the visitors missed the experience of Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner. After winning the toss, Latham opted to bat first.

Sundar’s first piece of brilliance came in the 16th over when he dismissed the well-set Latham, who had managed to put 28 runs off 44 deliveries. The delivery drifted around the off-stump before holding its line to beat Latham’s defense and clipped the off-stump. The dismissal reduced the BlackCaps to 59/2 earlier in the day.

Shortly after, he produced an exact copy of the earlier delivery to dismiss Ravindra for just five runs. Bowling from around the wickets, Sundar released the ball wide of the crease and drew Ravindra forward for a defense. The ball turned away slightly, beating the outside edge, and once again dismantled the off-stump, which left the side struggling at 72/3 in 20 overs.

Also Read: IND vs NZ: BCCI gives concerning update on Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from third Test against New Zealand

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu-born is coming off an impressive 11-wicket haul in the second Test, despite India’s 113-run defeat. While veteran Ravichandran Ashwin went wicketless in his opening spell, Sundar’s bowling has put India in a strong position in the game. At Lunch, the Kiwis’ scorecard read 92/3 with Will Young (38) and Daryl Mitchell (11) at the crease.