India v NZ: Honours shared on day one of third Test

The third Test between India and New Zealand remains in the balance after 14 wickets fell on day one in Mumbai on Friday.

India looked to be in a commanding position after bowling the Black Caps out for 235 then getting through to 78/1 with minutes remaining on the first day.

However, a late flurry left Yashasvi Jaiswal (30), Mohammad Siraj (0) and Virat Kohli (4) back in the sheds, levelling the playing field as the hosts closed on 86/4 with 149 runs remaining to achieve parity in the first innings.

Cricket bookmakers have held odds to win the third Test relatively steady after the day’s play, shortening New Zealand from +375 pre-match to +300 and India from -333.33 to -400, but lengthening the draw to +4000.

Batting collapses define day one in Mumbai

Earlier in the day, New Zealand also suffered a minor collapse after electing to bat first.

Tom Latham got a start (28), while Devon Conway (4) and Rachin Ravindra (5) fell early, but Will Young (71) and Daryl Mitchell (82) combined for a healthy 113-run partnership to take the Kiwis through to 159/3.

They were unable to build on the partnership though, with the next seven wickets falling for 76 runs as Ravindra Jadeja (5/65) weaved his web alongside Washington Sundar (4/81).

“Taking a five-wicket haul for India is always special,” Jadeja said after the close of play.

“I felt good that I got wickets when team needed a breakthrough. Especially in that heat.

“The team did well collectively, Washy (Sundar) also bowled well.

“Everyone played their roles.”

In response to New Zealand’s 235, captain Rohit Sharma was dropped early, before being dismissed for 18.

Jaiswal and Shubman Gill (31*) then looked excellent as they made a half-century partnership, until the visitors struck late in the third session.

“Everything happened in 10 minutes,” Jadeja said.

“But it happens. It’s a team game. You cannot blame one person. Everyone makes mistakes.

“The next batters will have to stitch some partnership and try to get the score beyond 230.

“Only then the second innings will come into play.

“So, it will be better if the incoming batters contribute.”

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