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In the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth, India's seasoned spin combination of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja was benched. At the toss, captain Jasprit Bumrah revealed that Washington Sundar will be the only spinner in the side. "Washi is the lone spinner," Bumrah said confirming his pick after winning the toss. The renowned Gabba Test in January 2021 was the last occasion Ashwin and Jadeja were not included in India's Test team. Ashwin missed the game because of back problems, and Jadeja missed it because of a fractured thumb.
Washington Sundar made his Test debut in this game and put on an outstanding all-around display. In order to help India achieve a historic victory at Brisbane and end Australia's undefeated run at the Gabba, Sundar took four wickets and produced a key half-century, building an important partnership with Shardul Thakur.
Sundar has only been in a small number of Test matches since his debut, but his ability to adjust to Australian conditions is still crucial. Sundar's talent has made him an appealing option, as seen by his 42-run batting average in Australia and his bowling stints that display consistency and control.
Did Gambhir repeat big mistake from 2018 Perth Test?
Back during the 2018 tour of Australia, India did not play Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the second Test which was held in Perth only. However, India end up losing that match by a massive margin of 146 runs. Lack of specialist spinners in the Indian side was highly visible in that match as Nathan Lyon was the most successful bowler during that clash.
However, that won't be seen in this clash as Washington Sundar has proved himself with both bat and ball both in recent times and in Australia.
India's plan to take advantage of Australia's left-handed-heavy batting lineup is reflected in Sundar's selection. Five left-handers, including Travis Head and Usman Khawaja, are among Australia's top seven. On a pitch that will probably help spinners as the game goes on, Sundar's ability to shift the ball away from left-handers gives him a tactical advantage.
Sundar has also been playing well lately, both at home and abroad. With remarkable figures of 7/59 and 4/56 from a home series against New Zealand, he demonstrated his ability to take wickets regularly and keep control.
