NEW DELHI: An unexpected technical glitch involving the spider-cam led to an early lunch break on Day 2 of the third and final Test of the ongoing series between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
India, having resumed the day at 86-4, capitalised on the session by adding 109 runs for the loss of one wicket in 24 overs, with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant both hitting half-centuries.
Gill was not out on 70, alongside Ravindra Jadeja who was unbeaten on 10, as India trailed New Zealand’s first innings total of 235 by 40 runs.
The session was momentarily disrupted when the spider-cam stopped moving due to some technical malfunction, halting play.
The umpires, Michael Gough and Richard Illingworth, decided to call for an early lunch as technicians worked to resolve the issue.
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The players returned to the dressing room slightly ahead of schedule, with the issue being resolved during the break.
New Zealand had opportunities to curb India’s progress but failed to capitalize.
Gill was dropped on 45 by substitute fielder Mark Chapman, and Pant, who was particularly aggressive against the New Zealand spinners, was dropped on 53 by Matt Henry.
Despite the mishap, Ish Sodhi managed to dismiss Pant for 60, ending a significant fifth-wicket partnership.
The match resumed post-lunch with India in a strong position, aiming to surpass New Zealand’s first-innings score and establish a substantial lead.
However, following another batting collapse, India could only reach 263 all out, giving the hosts a useful 28-run lead in the first innings, thanks to strong contributions from Shubman Gill (90), a quickfire 60 from Rishabh Pant, and Washington Sundar’s steady 38 not out.
New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel was impressive, claiming five wickets with sharp spin bowling, especially effective after lunch.
