MUMBAI, India (AP) — Looking for a series win in India, New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and decided to field his team 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 each, registering a landmark win in the first Test series in India.

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

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

With India ending their 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 whitewash 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 made a change to Pune’s starting XI. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested due to a virus infection while Mohammed Siraj comes into the playing side.

The Black Caps 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 injury and replaces Tim Southee.

The pitch at the iconic Wankhede Stadium should help the batsmen early on. The morning humidity should attract the pacers on both sides but as the game progresses the spin takes its course.

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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