Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium witnessed one of the memorable international Test cricket returns. Washington Sundar, who took seven New Zealand batsmen out, his bowling figure was 7-59, bowling 23.1 overs. Washington delivered a dream ball to take New Zealand’s sensation Rachin Ravindra’s wicket. Sundar’s ball slender past the Kiwi cricketer’s bat to land on the middle stump. Any spin bowler would like to do this kind of delivery.
T. I. M. B. E. R! 🎯
Cracker of a ball! 👌 👌
Washington Sundar with a breakthrough 🙌 🙌
Live ▶️ https://t.co/YVjSnKCtlI #TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @Sundarwashi5 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/OC8VS7fnwT
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 24, 2024
Indian lost to New Zealand in the first test match of the ongoing three-match Test series. Rohit Sharma-led Team India have made three changes in their first XI for the second match. BCCI called Washington Sundar from Ranji Trophy to join the national camp. Sundar has done a wonderful job for his state site, Tamil Nadu, both with bat and ball. Sundar got his chance in Test XI almost after three years. Washington Sundar played his last Test match in March during England’s tour of India in 2021.
It was the first time he has returned to the Test team since then; he got his first wicket after 1329 days by bowling Rachin Ravindra off spin in the Pune Test match. Rachin was looking solid on Pune’s surface, batting past the half-century mark. The young Kiwi caused headaches for Team India during the Bengaluru test as well. Rachin Ravindra, who was then batting at individual 65, missed judging Sundar’s ball completely. Sundar, in his career best form, made no mistake to hit the middle stump. Sundar today took seven wickets by using the condition of the surface properly.
Some cricket pandits have doubt on Washington Sundar, as he replaces experienced Kuldeep Yadav. Sundar proves, selectors have made the right choice.