Looking for series sweep, New Zealand win the toss and bat in 3rd cricket test against India

MUMBAI, India (AP) – Looking for a series run in India, New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and decided to put his team into the third and final cricket Test on Friday.

New Zealand won the first two tests in Bengaluru and Pune by eight wickets and 113 runs respectively, registering a landmark first Test series win in India.

After losing a first Test series at home since 2012, India will be looking to bounce back and avoid a 3-0 whitewash as they look to strengthen their position in the 2025 World Test Championship.

It must win four of the remaining six Tests – five away against Australia over the next 2 1-2 months – to confirm a place in the final at Lord’s next June.

After ending India’s 18-series winning streak, New Zealand have a chance to make history again. India have never been whitewashed in a three-Test home series – their last home whitewash was against South Africa in 2000 when the late Hansie Cronje led his side to a 2-0 win in a two-match series.

India made a change to the playing XI from Pune. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested due to a viral infection while Mohammed Siraj comes into the playing side.

The Black Caps made two changes. Mitchell Santner, who picked up 13 wickets in Pune, is out with a side strain and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi takes his place. Pacer Matt Henry has recovered from his injury and replaces Tim Southee.

The pitch at the iconic Wankhede Stadium should help batsmen early on. Morning moisture should tempt pacers on both sides, but spin will take its course as the game progresses.

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Lineups:

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj

New Zealand: Tom Latham (captain), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, William ORourke

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AP cricket: