New Zealand Opt to Bat First in Third Test Against India Following Toss Win
India has made one notable change, bringing in pacer Mohammed Siraj to replace Jasprit Bumrah, who is currently unwell. The absence of Bumrah is a setback, but the Indian squad is determined to capitalize on this final opportunity in the series.
In a significant match-up in Mumbai, New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and elected to bat first in the third and final Test against India on November 1. The decision comes as the Kiwis look to build on their strong performance in the series, having already secured victories in the first two Tests.
The New Zealand squad made two changes ahead of the match. Spinner Mitchell Santner is sidelined due to a side strain and has been replaced by Ish Sodhi. Additionally, Matt Henry returns to the side, stepping in for pace bowler Tim Southee, who is not part of the playing XI.
Latham expressed confidence in his team's strategy, noting, “It's a reasonably good surface and we want to put runs on the board and put pressure later. Whether we're batting or bowling first, it's about adjusting to the surface.”
On the Indian side, skipper Rohit Sharma confirmed that his team also would have opted to bat first had they won the toss. “We accept that we haven't played well this series, but this is an opportunity to correct that,” Sharma remarked, highlighting the importance of the match for the team's morale.
India has made one notable change, bringing in pacer Mohammed Siraj to replace Jasprit Bumrah, who is currently unwell. The absence of Bumrah is a setback, but the Indian squad is determined to capitalize on this final opportunity in the series.
Kane Williamson remains unavailable for New Zealand as he continues to recover from a groin strain, which will keep him out of the upcoming three-match home series against England.
New Zealand's impressive performance thus far in the series includes an eight-wicket victory in Bengaluru, marking their first Test win in India in 36 years. They followed that up with a 113-run triumph in Pune, securing their maiden series win on Indian soil since 1955. This series result also ended India’s remarkable streak of 18 consecutive home series victories, a record dating back to 2012.
India, having not experienced a clean sweep in a home series since 2000, is eager to regain some pride and momentum before embarking on a challenging five-match tour of Australia later this month. The stakes are high as both teams look to assert their dominance in this concluding match of the series.
