Watch: Ashwin’s "Ball of the Series" Stuns Glenn Phillips in Mumbai Test

Ravichandran Ashwin delivered a stunning performance on Day 2 of the third Test between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. With New Zealand struggling at 171-9 by stumps, Ashwin's three-wicket haul was instrumental in pushing India closer to a must-win victory for crucial World Test Championship points. Among his dismissals, Ashwin’s wicket of Glenn Phillips was undoubtedly the highlight, drawing widespread praise from fans and experts.

In a spectacular display of spin, Ashwin bowled a carrom ball that started on a leg-stump line and sharply turned away, deceiving the right-handed Phillips and crashing into the stumps. This delivery left both the batsman and the audience awestruck, earning it the tag of “Ball of the Series.”

Besides his bowling, Ashwin shined in the field. His athleticism was evident when he took a diving catch off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling to send Daryl Mitchell back to the pavilion. Reflecting on his catch, Ashwin said, “I wanted to get as close to the ball as possible. I have got great hands and trusted my hands to go through with it.”

Ashwin also explained his tactical approach alongside Jadeja, with whom he claimed seven wickets in the second innings. He noted the pitch’s variability, where one side was more responsive to spin while the other was slightly flatter. “The game itself is divided into two halves. From the pavilion end, the wicket responds differently, while the bounce is much lesser from the other side,” Ashwin remarked, explaining his adaptation to keep the New Zealand batsmen guessing.

With only one wicket remaining to wrap up the New Zealand innings, India is on the verge of securing an important victory that would boost their World Test Championship campaign.