Ashwin puts India in driver's seat in third Test vs New Zealand

Indore, Oct 10: Star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (6/81) put India in the driver's seat on day three of the third and final cricket Test at the Holkar stadium here on Monday skittling out New Zealand for a paltry 299 -- and giving the hosts a lead of 258 runs. India chose to bat for their second innings and were 18 for no loss at close of play.

At stumps, India opener Murali Vijay (11) and Cheteshwar Pujara (1) were at the crease and the hosts had an overall lead of 276 runs.

Veteran opener Gautam Gambhir (6) was forced to return to the pavilion with a shoulder injury.

Earlier, Ashwin led the Indian charge with six wickets and two brilliant run-outs along with left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja (2/80) to bundle out the visitors for a paltry 299 in response to India's first innings total of 557/5 declared.