NEW DELHI: Ravichandran Ashwin on Saturday showcased his fielding prowess with a remarkable sideways running catch to dismiss the dangerous Daryl Mitchell during Day 2 of the third and final India-New Zealand Test in Mumbai.
Mitchell comes down the track to loft Ravindra Jadeja, but couldn’t get to the pitch of the ball as it came off the bottom part of the bat.
Positioned at mid-off, Ashwin had to cover considerable ground as Mitchell lofted the ball high, aiming for a boundary. Sprinting at full tilt, Ashwin, who kept his eyes locked on the ball, ran back from mid-off, turned sideways to stay side-on and finally extended his hands to complete a stunning diving catch
The crowd erupted as he rose, clutching the ball triumphantly. It was a display of athleticism and commitment, and Mitchell, left in disbelief, had to walk back to the pavilion.
The wicket was very crucial for India as it broke a crucial 50-run fourth-wicket partnership between Mitchell and Will Young after NZ lost three early wickets at the score of 44 in their second essay.
