Fri Nov 01 14:02:55 UTC 2024: ## India Stumbles on Day 1 of Final Test as New Zealand Aims for Whitewash
**Mumbai, India:** India’s hopes of avoiding a series whitewash suffered a blow on day one of the third and final Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. New Zealand, aiming to complete a historic series victory, left India reeling at 86/4 at stumps.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, New Zealand was bundled out for 235 in their first innings, with Ravindra Jadeja taking 5/65 and Washington Sundar claiming 4/81. India’s batting woes continued as they lost captain Rohit Sharma early for 18. A brief resistance from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who put together a 53-run partnership, was broken by Ajaz Patel, who took two wickets in an over. Virat Kohli then fell victim to a rare run-out, leaving India in a precarious position at the end of the day.
The Kiwis, who have already secured victories in Pune and Bengaluru, are aiming for their first ever Test series win in India. Pressure is mounting on the Indian team, with Kohli and Sharma struggling for form.
The match saw the return of Mohammed Siraj to the Indian side, replacing the injured Jasprit Bumrah. New Zealand, meanwhile, continued to be without their captain Kane Williamson, who was ruled out of the final Test.
With the series already lost, India will be desperate to salvage some pride in the final Test. The remaining three days will be crucial for both teams, with New Zealand looking to complete a historic victory and India seeking a morale-boosting win.
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