India’s No-Ball Woes Mar Impressive Start in Mumbai Test
The third and final Test between India and New Zealand in Mumbai got off to a lively start, with the Indian bowlers making early inroads but also struggling with a surprising number of no-balls.
Off-spinner Washington Sundar led the Indian attack with two wickets, while Akash Deep claimed the first breakthrough. However, the bowlers’ performance was marred by a series of no-ball infractions, with Sundar alone responsible for five. Jadeja and Akash also contributed three no-balls, bringing the total to eight by the middle of the second session.
The no-ball problem drew the attention of commentator Ravi Shastri, who quipped that former Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar would have been furious. “Sunil Gavaskar was having lunch. He chucked the plate on the wall,” Shastri said. “Thank god he’s (Gavaskar) not fielding in the slip otherwise Washington would have been close to Washington DC.”
Gavaskar, who became the first cricketer to score 10,000 Test runs, has been a vocal critic of no-balls in cricket.
Despite the no-ball issues, the Indian bowlers managed to restrict New Zealand to 92 runs for the loss of three wickets at lunch break. The visitors opted to bat first after winning the toss, hoping to sweep the series.
The Indian bowlers’ struggles with no-balls will be a concern for captain Virat Kohli, who will be keen to avoid a repeat of the second Test in Kanpur, where India conceded 39 no-balls.
