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On Day 1 of the second Test match between India and New Zealand at Maharashtra Cricket Stadium in Pune on Thursday, October 24, Indian off-spinner Washington Sundar disclosed the contribution of R Ashwin to his seven-wicket haul. After three years away from Test cricket, Sundar returned to the game and picked up his first 5-wicket haul. Sundar was one of three changes made by Rohit Sharma to India's playing XI for the second Test, replacing Kuldeep Yadav. In addition to providing justification for his selection, Sundar achieved his career-best figures of 7/59 by learning from veteran off-spinner Ashwin.
"The ball became very soft. So we had to give more speed to the ball. That was something me and Ash kept talking about. I mean, he said it like that himself in the spell after lunch. That's how he got Conway out as well. We spoke about it and were glad I was able to do it as well. Yes, I didn't actually change too many things. On this wicket, we expected there would be something for the spinners and I really wanted to hit the right areas against different batters," Sundar said in the press conference.
On Day 1 of the second Test in Pune, Washington Sundar put on a career-best showing, taking 7 for 59, which led to a spectacular collapse for New Zealand. India had the upper hand after the visitors collapsed from a comfortable 197/3 to being bowled out for 259 runs. India was 16/1 at stumps, and the game was fairly balanced.
Washington also praised Ashwin, his teammate from Tamil Nadu, for his experience and skill sets.
Sundar on Ashwin
"We communicated a lot honestly, and he brings in a lot of quality, skill sets and experience. That really helps for someone who is also playing along with them. It definitely helped me today. And ya, it is special, isn't it? To be playing in a game in which both of them are part of it as well. I hope we get to play lot more games together," he added.
In addition to neutralizing the half-centuries previously achieved by Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, Sundar's outstanding stint recorded the first-ever five-wicket haul by an Indian spinner at this venue. He took the last seven wickets following R Ashwin's early breakthroughs, destroying New Zealand's middle and lower order in the process.
Sundar's ability to trick batters both in the air and off the field was demonstrated by the fact that five of his dismissals came through bowled, one lbw, and one caught. In addition to being Sundar's greatest first-class numbers, this was his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. With his three wickets, Ashwin surpassed Nathan Lyon's record of 530 Test wickets in 25 fewer games.
