WATCH: R Ashwin gets lifeline as ball hits stumps but bail stays on

India had a  tricky start while chasing 147 runs in the second innings of the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. The top order collapsed within eight overs as India were 29/5 at one stage before Rishabh Pant managed to bail the team out fbriefly with his counterattacking 64 off 57. His controversial dismissal brought R Ashwin into the crease as the hosts were still in need of 41 runs.

Washington Sundar and Ashwin were the two last recognised batters that could have batted. Meanwhile, in the 27th over, Ashwin had a slice of luck as survived a close call.Notably, the 37-year-old bent forward to block Glenn Phillips’ delivery but it deflected onto the bat and rolled back towards the stumps. 

Ashwin immediately tried to stop the ball with the bat and but only managed to slow down the pace of the ball. It eventually hit the stumps but the bails did not come off as he got a lifeline. However, Ashwin’s stay did not last long as he departed for eight off 29 as Glenn Phillips got the better of him in the 29th over. 

Also Read: Watch: R Ashwin pulls off stunner to send Daryl Mitchell packing in Mumbai Test

Ashwin attempted a reverse sweep but the ball ended up hitting his gloves before wicketkeeper Tom Blundell grabbed a simple catch. Ashwin did challenge the on-field decision but the Ultra Edge showed a clear spike as he his way back to the pavilion. In to replace him, Akash Deep registered a golden duck. 

Soon after that, Washington Sundar too departed as India lost the Test by 25 runs to suffer their maiden red-ball series whitewash at home in 24 years. It also put India’s preparation for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in question as they are yet to finalise their place in the World Test Championship final.