India vs New Zealand, 3rd Test Match Preview, Prediction and Live Streaming

Just a fortnight ago, things were different from how they are now. India’s unbeaten home run was still intact. They were undisputedly on the way to yet another World Test Championship (WTC) final. Their bowling attack was diabolically cruel to the visitors. But all of that has become a relic of the past now. With New Zealand having a shining 2-0 next to their name, India have a pressing job at their hand, to minimize as much damage as they possibly can.

In a series of two or more Test matches in India, no team has ever done what Tom Latham-led Kiwis are dreaming to do; sweep the entire series 3-0. But the visitors know (or so we hope) better than to downplay the maimed Indian team at the moment. There is plenty at stake for India, and to some extent for New Zealand too. In order to stay in contention for the WTC final, this Test is a must-win for both teams. Although for India, thanks to their dominant performance throughout the WTC cycle, there are plenty more chances to bounce back, none of them would be as much of a walk in the park as this game in their backyard.

For New Zealand, not only the chances but also their rationality is the issue. They can not afford to lose even a single of their remaining games. Even then there would be a great deal of uncertainty surrounding their hopes of reaching the final. But what’s life without a little (myriad of) thrill?

Team Overview:

Indian top-order, barring Yashasvi Jaiswal, has failed to make a mark and give the team a lift early in the game. This matters more, especially, because the top order has two of the best, most experienced batters of the side; Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of who have yet to play a knock suiting their brilliance. Reports are suggesting that Jasprit Bumrah will be rested to give him whatever rest he can get before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Mumbai’s spinning wicket would entice Rohit to get another extra spinner on board with Akash Deep or Mohammad Siraj solely taking care of the fast bowling duties. However, India are likely to make this decision on the spot. Sarfaraz Khan, though, could only accumulate 20 runs across the second Test match, it would be wise to not strip him of a place in the team.

Kane Williamson will not return for this Test match either, but the batting unit looks pretty solid even without him. Tim Southee might also sit out to let Matt Henry, who missed the second game due to a glute niggle, have a go again. The rest of the team is likely to stay the same and rightly so. Kiwis’ bowling attack deserves appreciation for the way they uprooted India’s sturdiest of defenses. The spin attack would be difficult to deal with in Mumbai as well.

Head-to-Head Matches:

India have played 64 Test matches against New Zealand. With 22 wins, India dominate the match-up. Barring 27 games that ended in stalemate, the rest of the 15 matches were won by the Kiwis.

Weather and Pitch Report:

Though its a red-soil surface, plenty of turn is expected to be up for grabs. Mumbai’s humid and hot weather will make the deck more deadly as the game progresses. However, red soil surfaces also produce a generous amount of bounce, so it will not just be a spectacle for pacers and batters. The toss-winning captain would fancy batting first.