Watch: Sarfaraz Khan's relentless sledging triggers umpires' intervention; Rohit Sharma fights officials in Mumbai

On the first day of the final India vs New Zealand Test, tension spiked in the second session as Rohit Sharma engaged in a heated exchange with the on-field umpires. The New Zealand batters showed frustration over Sarfaraz Khan’s sledging from his position at forward short-leg, leading to umpire intervention.

The Indian bowlers picked up three wickets on the first morning of the third Test match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday, November 1. Akash Deep provided an early breakthrough as he dismissed Devon Conway LBW. Washington Sundar then claimed crucial two wickets in quick succession.

Washington removed New Zealand captain Tom Latham and then picked up the wicket of Rachin Ravindra. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin went wicketless in his opening spell. However, Will Young and Daryl Mitchell played a crucial role in stabilizing the visiting team after three early wickets in the first session.

Watch: Sarfaraz Khan's Sledging Sparks Uumpire Intervention; Rohit Sharma fights officials

The incident took place before the 32nd over in New Zealand's first innings. The umpires had a discussion with Sarfaraz Khan, likely due to his chatter at short leg. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli joined the discussion. Rohit Sharma was seen animatedly talking to umpire Richard Illingworth, and it ended on a lighter note.

Rohit Sharma defended his teammate, Sarfaraz Khan, during the conversation with the on-field umpires. Commentators on air highlighted that Daryl Mitchell voiced concerns to the umpire about Sarfaraz’s chatter, which he found distracting while batting.

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Team India Lost Series 2-0 To New Zealand

India already lost the series 2-0, their first Test series defeat in 12 years at home . The match is a dead rubber, but it still holds significance for World Test Championship (WTC) points. India is currently at the top of the WTC 2023-25 points table and is vying for a place in the final at Lord's in June 2025.

It Has Been Fantastic - Ajaz Patel

Speaking before the start of the match, Ajaz said that Rangana Herath has been a valuable presence in the team. Patel mentioned that he had the chance to face Herath for the first time and joked about not being bowled over. Patel highlighted the wealth of knowledge Herath brings to the team.

"(on personal form) It has been fantastic, he (Rangana Herath) has been someone I have looked up to. Having him in the camp and to see him and also got an opportunity to face him for the first time. He was alright (chuckles) and I did not get knocked over," Ajaz Patel said, as quoted by CREX.

"But it is nice to have someone like him around, he has a lot of knowledge to share. We try and tap in as much as we can. Certainly, we can't complain with two from two so far. But we also know that it is a new game and it is time to start again and hopefully, we do well again," he added.

Also read: BCCI scraps Rohit Sharma vs Ruturaj Gaikwad showdown as intra-squad game cancelled ahead of BGT