On Day 3, Mitchell Santner handed New Zealand the first breakthrough by removing Rohit Sharma, building on his seven-for in India’s opening session. In the ongoing second Test match at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Saturday, October 26, this was a significant blow to the Asian powerhouses.
India wanted their opening batsmen to lay a strong foundation since they had a difficult time chasing down a 359-run total on a challenging batting surface. Rohit attempted to position himself at the crease, but Yashasvi Jaiswal batted with good intentions right away. Santner, however, dismissed the Indian captain for an eight-run knock off 16 balls in just four balls.
From the crease, Rohit guarded Santner’s opening delivery. On the next delivery, he blocked it to short cover by stepping out. Rohit attempted a reverse sweep with the next ball, but it deflected off the rear thigh pad and sailed to the boundary. The Mumbai hitter danced down the track on the fourth delivery, but Santner dropped it short before he could reach the ball’s pitch. Will Young made the easiest catch as the length ball bounced more than anticipated and the batter only managed to get an inside edge onto the front pad before it lobbed to short leg.
The legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble said that Santner’s last-minute ball release allowed him to see Rohit’s movement down the crease. The former India coach believes that Santner’s strategy worked well and that he modified his length to outfox Rohit.
In addition to playing the reverse sweep, he went out. Kumble stated on Sports18, “He used every option, but sadly, Santner saw it early. He then bowled it a little shorter, and it bounced to Rohit Sharma.”
“I felt the intention was correct, but Santner bowled it beautifully, of course. Santner should also be commended because he anticipated him. He said, “Santner’s one advantage is that he releases the ball very late, which likely helped him see Rohit come at him and drop length a little bit.”
Another five-for is secured by Mitchell Santner.
After removing Rohit from the game, Santner continued to improve. Shubman Gill and Jaiswal put some pressure on the Kiwis with their combined 62 runs off 59 balls, but the left-arm spinner ended the partnership just as the tourists needed it.
The home team’s wickets continued to tumble as Santner finished his five-for with the wickets of Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, and Jaiswal.
Also Read: WATCH: Rishabh Pant’s run-out lands India in big trouble in Pune Test
The Hamilton native also helped out with fielding, coordinating Rishabh Pant’s run out with an incredible display of agility.
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