MUMBAI, India (AP) — Seeking a series sweep in India, New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and decided to put his side 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 historic win in the first Test series in India.

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

It needs to win four of the remaining six Tests – five away against Australia over the next two-and-a-half to two months – to confirm a place in the final at Lord’s in June next year.

After ending India’s 18-series winning streak, New Zealand has a chance to create history again. India have never been whitewashed in a three-Test home series; the last home game 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 have made one change to the playing XI from Pune. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested due to a viral infection, while Mohammed Siraj comes into the team.

The Black Caps have made two changes. Mitchell Santner, who took 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 batters early on. The morning fluid should tempt the pacers on both sides, but the spin will take its course as the game progresses.

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Setups:

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