IND Vs NZ : Ravichandran Ashwin Removes Tom Latham With An Absolute Beauty On Day 1 Of 2nd Test

The second Test between India and New Zealand began on a highly anticipated note on Thursday, October 24, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. With New Zealand leading the three-match series 1-0, they were looking to build on their advantage after winning the toss and electing to bat first. However, India’s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had other plans as he produced a moment of magic early in the day, dismissing New Zealand captain Tom Latham and setting the tone for what would become a fascinating contest. The early wicket of Latham shifted the momentum in India’s favor, with Ashwin and the Indian bowling attack putting on an impressive display to keep New Zealand in check.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s Early Breakthrough: A Masterclass in Spin

In just the eighth over of the match, Ravichandran Ashwin provided India with a crucial breakthrough, sending New Zealand captain Tom Latham back to the pavilion. Ashwin, known for his mastery over spin and control in home conditions, delivered a stunning off-spinner that completely outfoxed Latham. The ball drifted beautifully through the air, angling towards middle and leg, enticing Latham into a defensive stroke. However, after pitching, it turned sharply away, beating the outside edge of Latham’s bat and crashing into his pads.

With no hesitation from the umpire, Latham was given out lbw for a score of 15 off 22 balls. The New Zealand skipper, knowing he was trapped dead in front, opted not to review the decision. This was a textbook example of Ashwin’s ability to exploit the conditions in India, as he used the natural turn of the Pune pitch to bamboozle one of New Zealand’s most experienced batsmen. Latham’s dismissal, reducing New Zealand to 32/1, was a crucial moment in the match, breaking the Blackcaps’ solid start.

The Art of Deception: Ashwin’s Spin Leaves Latham Helpless

Ashwin’s delivery to Latham was a work of art, showcasing his mastery over flight, drift, and turn. The ball’s flight deceived Latham, forcing him into a defensive mindset, only for the sharp turn to beat him entirely. This delivery was a perfect example of why Ashwin is considered one of the finest spinners in modern cricket. The dismissal of Latham was not just about the wicket itself but also the psychological blow it delivered to New Zealand. Just as the Kiwis were settling into their innings, Ashwin’s brilliance broke their momentum.

For India, this wicket was vital in halting New Zealand’s early progress. Latham, with his ability to anchor the innings, was a key player in New Zealand’s top order, and his early dismissal left a significant gap in the batting lineup. The breakthrough also served as a reminder to the rest of New Zealand’s batsmen that playing spin on Indian pitches would be no easy task.

New Zealand’s Steady Start Shaken by Early Setback

Before Latham’s dismissal, New Zealand appeared to be building a solid foundation in their first innings. After winning the toss, Latham and fellow opener Devon Conway started confidently, rotating the strike and finding the occasional boundary. The decision to bat first seemed a calculated move by the visitors, as they sought to avoid the pressure of chasing a target on a pitch that was likely to deteriorate as the match progressed.

However, Latham’s dismissal in the eighth over left New Zealand at 32/1, a significant setback just as they seemed to be gaining momentum. Despite the early blow, Conway remained calm and composed at the crease, partnering with number three batsman Will Young to steady the ship. Conway, who has been in exceptional form throughout the series, showed his class with a patient yet effective approach, keeping the scoreboard ticking and ensuring that New Zealand didn’t lose another wicket before the drinks break.

Devon Conway’s Resilience Anchors New Zealand’s Innings

Devon Conway has been a key figure for New Zealand in this series, and once again, he played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings after the loss of Latham. Conway’s temperament and technique against India’s spinners were on full display as he carefully navigated Ashwin and Washington Sundar’s probing spells. By lunch, Conway had reached an unbeaten 27 off 53 deliveries, including four boundaries, showcasing his ability to mix caution with aggression.

Conway’s partnership with Will Young, though brief, was crucial in ensuring that New Zealand didn’t suffer a complete collapse in the first session. Young, who was more reserved in his approach, contributed 9 off 25 balls before his dismissal, caught behind after a smart piece of bowling by Ashwin once again. With Young’s wicket, New Zealand found themselves at 92/2 at lunch, leaving Conway with the responsibility of anchoring the innings further.

Will Young Falls as Ashwin Continues His Magic

Just when New Zealand seemed to be settling into their innings, Ravichandran Ashwin struck again, removing Will Young in a manner similar to his earlier dismissal of Latham. Ashwin’s ability to generate turn and deceive the batsmen with his variations proved too much for Young, who edged a turning delivery to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. This wicket marked another crucial moment in the day’s play, as it left New Zealand in a precarious position at 92/2 at the lunch break.

Young’s dismissal highlighted the growing challenge that New Zealand’s batsmen were facing against India’s spinners. Ashwin, supported by Washington Sundar, was beginning to extract more turn from the pitch, creating difficulties for the visiting batsmen. With two key wickets already down, New Zealand’s middle order faced the daunting task of countering India’s spinners on a pitch that was increasingly offering assistance.

India’s Spin Trio Tightens the Noose

As the day progressed, India’s spin trio—Ashwin, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja—tightened the noose around New Zealand’s batting lineup. Ashwin, in particular, continued to be the standout performer, consistently troubling the batsmen with his variations in flight and turn. Washington Sundar, playing his first match of the series, complemented Ashwin’s efforts with tight lines and clever changes in pace.

The combination of Ashwin and Sundar created a web of spin that New Zealand’s batsmen found difficult to escape. With Conway still at the crease and Rachin Ravindra joining him after the dismissal of Young, the Blackcaps were forced to adopt a more cautious approach. India, however, remained relentless in their pursuit of wickets, with Ashwin and Sundar maintaining pressure from both ends.

New Zealand’s Struggle Against India’s Spin Threat

By the end of the first session, it was clear that New Zealand’s batsmen were in for a long, hard battle against India’s spinners. With two early wickets down and the pitch offering increasing assistance to the spinners, New Zealand’s challenge was to find a way to navigate the middle overs without losing further wickets. Conway, who had looked solid throughout the session, would be key to their chances of building a competitive total.

The first day’s play set the stage for what promises to be a fascinating contest between bat and ball. Ravichandran Ashwin’s brilliance with the ball, combined with Sarfaraz Khan’s sharp fielding instincts, ensured that India had the upper hand going into the second session. For New Zealand, the task ahead is clear—they must find a way to counter India’s spinners and build partnerships if they are to post a competitive total in the first innings. With the pitch likely to offer more turn as the match progresses, the battle between India’s spinners and New Zealand’s batsmen will continue to be the focal point of this intriguing contest.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/