Before the second Test between India and Australia in Adelaide, there are some questions that are left to be answered. One of those questions is about India’s spin attack for the match.
India went with the young Washington Sundar for the first Test in Perth. It came in as a huge surprise as Sundar was seen as the third in line to be picked among the spinners after the veterans Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
However, the team management ignored the vast experience of Ashwin and Jadeja and took a big risk by playing Sundar. The only thing that was in Sundar’s favor was his good form. He is coming off a good home series against New Zealand where he was the highest wicket-taker of the series.
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Washington Sundar all set to play the pink-ball Test in Adelaide
According to a report in TOI, Washington Sundar is set to be a part of India’s playing XI for the second Test as well. This Test is also the only day-night Test of the series and will be played with the pink ball.
“There’s a 90% chance that (Washington) Sundar will play in the second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval,” a source in the BCCI was quoted as saying to TOI.
Washington Sundar is already seen as the successor to India’s spin bowling attack in the future in Test cricket. The off-spinning allrounder picked up 2-48 in the second innings of the Perth Test and scored 4 & 29 with the bat.
Sundar scored an unbeaten 42 and picked up 1-38 in the pink-ball tour match against Prime Minister’s XI at Canberra. He has shown good signs with both bat and ball. Apart from being a quality offspinner, Sundar is also a capable batter down the order with a good technique.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja likely to sit out
With Washington Sundar all set to play the second Test, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja might have to sit out of the second Test as well. Ashwin and Jadeja have served Indian cricket for a long time. However, the selectors took a brave decision by dropping both of them from the Playing XI.
It remains to be seen whether India plays more than one spinner in Adelaide or not. Traditionally, Adelaide has been helpful for the spinners, however, the pink-ball has negated the spinners and India might again go with a solitary spinner in the form of Sundar.
Washington Sundar in New Zealand Tests
Washington Sundar made a comeback in Test cricket with the second Test match against New Zealand at Pune. He played the second and third Tests at Pune and Mumbai respectively and emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker of the series.
He picked up 16 wickets in 2 Tests at a staggering average of just 14.12 with 2 four-wicket hauls and 1 five-wicket haul. His variations in pace and the ability to extract turn surprised New Zealand. He was one of the few shining lights for India in a rather disappointing series.