IND vs NZ [WATCH]: Ravindra Jadeja’s five-wicket masterclass destroys New Zealand on Day 1 of the 3rd Test

Ravindra Jadeja presented an unforgettable performance on Friday (November 1) e Third Test between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The left-arm spinner, who showed good control and experience, tore through New Zealand’s batting line-up to claim 14 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. His stardom ended with the dramatic dismissal of Matt Henry for a first-ball duck, covering a commanding position in India. This spell was not only important in the game but also important in Jadeja’s journey, as past milestones put him among India’s all-time greats.

New Zealand’s challenging conditions at first

Winning the toss and electing to bat, New Zealand went in with confidence but soon ran into difficulties on a pitch that started showing signs of wear and tear from the first session. The top offers both spin and bounce, with variable speed that keeps Indian spinners interested. Three early wickets fell in the morning session, although Jadeja remained wicketless as he found his rhythm. Despite the circumstances, in New Zealand Will Young again Daryl Mitchell seemed to stabilize the innings, building a stand of 87 runs and showing signs of a comeback. However, the effort was short-lived as Jadeja began his killing spree after lunch, dismantling the Blackcaps line-up.

Ravindra Jadeja’s spell: A well-timed breakthrough and a five-wicket haul

Jadeja’s first breakthrough came at a crucial time. The left-arm spinner broke the menacing space between Young and Mitchell, Young pushing forward on a delivery that swung just enough to kiss the edge and land safely in the hands of the slips. This opening wicket seemed to unlock Jadeja’s full potential. Just three balls later, he bowled a spectacular wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundelltossing through mid-leg and turning to clear off stump. Not long after, he added Glenn Phillips according to his calculations, he got him out with a straight ball that went in and hit the stumps. At tea, Jadeja’s three wickets halted New Zealand’s progress, shifting the momentum to India.

Returning to the third innings, Jadeja showed no signs of slowing down. He spent Ish Sodhi and Henry in the same over, marking his second over of the day. This fifth wicket marked another fine performance by the all-rounder, who underlined his importance in the Indian line-up with a superb five-wicket haul.

Here are the videos:

Jadeja surprises the Kiwis with a double hit 💥

Catch the live action from the 3rd #INDvNZ Testing, on #JioCinema, #Sports18 again #ColorsCineplex!#IDFCFirstBankTestTrophy #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/Gyy3vZgTz2

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) November 1, 2024

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– Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) November 1, 2024

ALSO WATCH: Washington Sundar clears Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra to disrupt New Zealand’s top order on Day 1 of the 3rd Test

Jadeja’s record breaking records

With this dismissal, Jadeja surpassed the milestone of 311 wickets in Tests, passing Zaheer Khan again Ishant Sharma becoming the fifth highest wicket-taker for India in test history. Moreover, he compared it to a legend Bishan Singh Bedia tally of 14 five wickets, scored in 118 innings compared to Jadeja’s 145, showing his strength in India’s bowling. He also became India’s highest wicket-taker for the left-arm bowler, marking a historic achievement. Jadeja’s performance proved his skill and experience, cementing his position as one of India’s premier Test tournament winners. His brilliance left New Zealand struggling to recover, showing the impact of his return to form.

ALSO WATCH: Akash Deep traps Devon Conway LBW with sharp inswinger in IND vs NZ third test