Washington Sundar justified his choice with a surprising show of spin bowling on the opening day of the second Check towards New Zealand on the Maharashtra Cricket Affiliation Stadium in Pune. The all-rounder, whose inclusion had been a sizzling matter of dialogue earlier than the match, delivered his best-ever first-class figures of seven/59, serving to India bowl out New Zealand for 259 and giving the hosts a major higher hand going into the second day.
Washington Sundar adjustments the sport with key wickets
New Zealand seemed to be in a stable place at 197/3, with well-set fifties from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, earlier than Washington was launched into the assault for an important spell. He rapidly turned the sport on its head, beginning with a wicket simply earlier than the tea break. From there, he decimated the remainder of the Kiwi batting line-up, displaying unbelievable management and variation. Washington’s spell was instrumental, as he took all seven remaining wickets, altering the complexion of the sport and placing India in a commanding place.
The younger spinner combined his deliveries with refined adjustments in velocity and flight, creating doubts within the minds of the batters. It was a traditional show of off-spin bowling, the place he not solely capitalized on the spin-friendly situations but additionally maintained tight traces to frustrate the opposition.
Additionally READ: Washington Sundar rips by way of New Zealand with career-best 7-wicket haul in Pune Check
Washington bowls a magnificence to dismiss Tim Southee
One of many standout moments from Washington’s distinctive spell was the dismissal of Tim Southee, which underscored his sharp cricketing acumen. On the primary ball of the 76th over, Washington delivered an excellent arm ball from across the wicket. The ball drifted previous Southee’s outdoors edge as he tried a defensive shot, earlier than crashing into the stumps. The misleading supply demonstrated Washington’s capability to combine his traces and lengths, outwitting a well-experienced batter like Southee.
The dismissal was a testomony to Washington’s skillful execution, as he lured Southee into taking part in a shot with refined drift and switch, a method that paid off spectacularly. The video of this dismissal has been extensively shared, showcasing the younger spinner’s intelligent use of variations.
Right here is the video:
Vera stage Washy! 🫡
A terrific fifer for the off-spinner 🖐️#INDvNZ #IDFCFirstBankTestTrophy #JioCinemaSports #WashingtonSundar pic.twitter.com/iVx8Ee2owp
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) October 24, 2024
Washington’s efficiency offers India a bonus
Washington’s bowling masterclass has altered the dynamics of the match, giving India an important benefit. Together with his career-best figures, he silenced critics and greater than justified his inclusion within the taking part in XI. The efficiency has not solely bolstered India’s probabilities on this Check but additionally added a brand new dimension to India’s spin assault.