After receiving a call-up to India's Test squad for the upcoming West Indies, Indian fast bowler Navdeep Saini has travelled to England to play in the County Championship as a part of Worcestershire.
He was included in the side against Derbyshire on June 25 and took a wicket on his very first ball of the season. Saini bowled Derbyshire opener Harry Came to give his team and himself a perfect start.
Saini had signed a contract to play four matches with Worcestershire in June, but after being called to the national team set-up, he will now play only one match. Saini will then join the Indian team for the two-match West Indies Test series, which will kick off their tour in the Caribbean Islands.
Saini opened the bowling for Worcestershire and his first ball went inside after hitting outside the off. The batter did not try to play a shot and left the ball. But he could not understand the line of the ball properly and his stumps were shattered. On the first day of the match, Saini bowled three overs and took one wicket for 12 runs while bowling one maiden.
This happened after Saini's side was bundled out for 237 runs. Captain Jack Libby was the highest scorer for 78 runs while batting. Saini came in to bat as well and went on to remain unbeaten without scoring a single run. Before stumps, Derbyshire also lost two wickets for 32 runs. Both his openers kept going.
Saini has played in the county before as well, featuring in eight matches for Kent last season. He went on to take 11 wickets and his best performance was five wickets for 72 runs.
For India also, Saini has played across all three formats at the international level. He made his debut in August 2019 in white-ball cricket. He last played a Test for India in 2021. This was against Australia in Brisbane which India won.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
