Ravichandran Ashwin not only showcased his bowling skills but also set an impressive standard in fielding on Day 2 of the third Test between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. As Daryl Mitchell and Will Young built a 50-run partnership, Ashwin delivered a moment of brilliance by taking a spectacular catch. Although not typically known for his speed in the outfield, Ashwin sprinted from mid-on to execute a remarkable catch.
Mitchell had hit a delivery from Ravindra Jadeja high into the air, making it challenging for Ashwin to secure the catch, but he managed to run back and dive, successfully holding onto the ball. Many fans took to social media, declaring it as the greatest catch of Ashwin’s career.
What a catch by Ashwin 🤯#INDvsNZ @NorthStandGang pic.twitter.com/clE151nCEo
— Nishant Jhangiani (@NishantJhangian) November 2, 2024
THE GREATEST CATCH OF ASHWIN’s CAREER
Wankhede erupts like crazy!!!#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/Vs05vBxTaa
— Vinesh Prabhu (@vlp1994) November 2, 2024
“I was just telling myself that it’s going to anyway leave me, I wanted to get as close to the ball as possible and I’ve got great hands, so I trusted my hands to go through with it,” Ashwin reflected on his achievement after Day 2 concluded.
At 38 years old, Ashwin’s sprint and diving catch drew admiration from the enthusiastic crowd at Wankhede. This dismissal marked the beginning of New Zealand’s collapse, as they lost their next five wickets for just 77 runs. From a promising 94/3, New Zealand ended Day 2 struggling at 171/9, with a lead of only 143 runs. Ravindra Jadeja starred with four wickets, increasing his match total to nine, while Ashwin contributed three wickets.
A highlight of Ashwin’s bowling was his dismissal of Glenn Phillips, who had hit him for two sixes in the first three balls of an over. However, Ashwin struck back, bowling him out with a stunning carrom ball shortly after.