Aakash Chopra was not in favor of Mohammed Siraj starting the bowling for India on Day 3 of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Even Anil Kumble and Jadeja agreed with Chopra.
They wanted Rohit to start with one spinner and the pacer to keep the Kiwi batters in control. However, Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah proved them wrong as they bowled a tight line and length and also took a wicket each in the first session.
Siraj hasn’t been impressive across formats in the last few months. His wicket-taking ability has diminished in international cricket, which has impacted India National Cricket Team.
“DSP Mohammed Siraj will issue a warrant against me, Anil Kumble, and Ajay Jadeja as we were against him bowling for India on Day 3 of the game. However, Miya proved us wrong, and he, in fact, bowled a good spell after starting wayward. This is what Test cricket is all about,” Aakash Chopra said.
Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee went on a rampage after their team lost four quick wickets. They added more than 100 runs, with Rachin completing a hundred. With a lead of over 300 runs, Tom Latham’s team is the favorite to win the match.
The Kiwis were bowled out for 402 in their first innings, with Rachin Ravindra amassing 134 runs. Tim Southee also contributed with a fine 65 runs. With 356 runs behind, the home made a reasonable effort in the second essay. Virat Kohli, who was heading towards a hundred after a long time in Test cricket, was dismissed on the last ball of the bat, with the score being 231/3.
Sarfaraz Khan was unbeaten on 70 runs off 78 balls, with the help of 7 fours and three sixes. Earlier, Rohit Sharma (52) and Yashasvi Jaiswal added 72 runs as openers. The hosts are 156 runs behind, with seven wickets in hand and two days to go.
Overall, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav dismissed three batters each, while Siraj (2 wickets), Bumrah ( 1 wicket), and Ravichandran Ashwin (1 wicket) also made contributions.