[Watch] Akash Deep dismantles Tom Latham's stumps in his first over during 3rd IND vs NZ 2024 TestÂ
Team India pacer Akash Deep struck with the new ball to provide a perfect start in the second innings on Day 2 (Saturday, November 2) of the third Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The right-arm pacer dismissed opposition skipper Tom Latham for just one run with a searing delivery in the first over.
After attaining a slender but crucial 28-run lead in the first innings, Akash kickstarted proceedings against Latham and Devon Conway. The pacer, coming from around the wicket, appeared to have struck off the fourth delivery by trapping the Blackcaps captain LBW. However, a review revealed a massive inside edge, forcing the on-field umpire to reverse his decision.
The very next ball, Akash Deep pitched it further up, injecting more pace, as the ball moved into the batter. Tempted by the half volley, Latham looked to drive, but the ball comfortably breached the massive gap between the pad and the bat to make a mess of the stumps.
Have a look at the dismissal right here:
Tom Latham's series comes to an end with 145 runs in six innings at an average of 24.10. He recorded a sublime fifty in the second innings in Pune, but could not impose himself in the remainder of the tour.
Team India pressing for more wickets after Akash Deep's early breakthrough during 3rd IND vs NZ 2024 Test
The pitch has aged considerably in a quick time on Day 2. Earlier, India were comfortably placed at 180-4, and despite boasting a deep batting line-up, ended up with a marginally higher total (263) than New Zealand's 235. Ajaz Patel made the ball talk to notch yet another memorable display at the Wankhede Stadium.
Team India skipper Rohit Sharma has opted for spin from the other end as Washington Sundar has taken the new ball. Akash Deep kept probing left-handed batter Devon Conway from the same around-the-wicket angle in his second over.
At the time of writing, New Zealand are placed at 13-1 after four overs as the second session is heading towards a close on Day 2.