Seeking series sweep, New Zealand wins the toss and bats in 3rd cricket test against India

MUMBAI, India (AP) - Looking for a series sweep in India, New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and decided to put his side in to bat in 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.

Having lost a first test series at home since 2012, India will be looking to bounce back and avoid a 3-0 whitewash as it seeks to firm up its position in the 2025 World Test Championship.

It needs to win four out of its remaining six tests - five away against Australia over the next 2 1-2 months - to confirm a spot in the final at Lord's in June of next year.

After ending India’s 18-series' winning streak, New Zealand has a chance to create history once again. India has never been whitewashed in a three-test home series - its last home whitewash was against South Africa in 2000 when the late Hansie Cronje led his side to a 2-0 victory in a two-match series.

India made one change to the playing XI from Pune. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested, while Mohammed Siraj comes into the playing side.

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

The pitch at the iconic Wankhede Stadium should help batters 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: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket