Washington Sundar scripted a remarkable debut in the Brisbane Test against Australia on Friday. From being a net bowler added as back-up to the Indian cricket team after Ravichandran Ashwin was injured, Washington Sundar became the 301st player to play Tests for India after his Tamil Nadu counterpart T Natarajan became the 300th player. Washington Sundar bowled three overs and did not concede a single run. However, in the post-lunch session, Washington Sundar scripted a memorable debut as he managed to get the wicket of Steve Smith, the greatest Test batsman in the modern era. Bowling his first ball of the fourth over, Washington Sundar bowled a flighted delivery and Steve Smith whipped it straight to short midwicket where Rohit Sharma took his second catch.
The joy of Washington Sundar was uncontained and it was a culmination of a great journey that began in 2016. Washington Sundar was born in Chennai and he was given the name Washington in order to pay tribute to his mentor PD Washington. Washington Sundar's performance in the IPL has been superb, with his 2017 stint at Rising Pune Supergiant the key factor in getting the eye of the selectors. Opening the bowling in the powerplay, Washington Sundar bowled brilliantly as he made a big impression.
Impressive first-class numbers
Washington Sundar's prowess in the IPL and in the T20 format is such that people have often overlooked his First Class Numbers which are not too bad. In 12 domestic matches, Washington Sundar has 30 wickets at an average of 26 and he has the best haul of 6/87. However, Washington Sundar might not have gotten a chance even in the India A red ball side as he had not played domestic First-Class games for a long time.
However, so much were the injuries in the Indian cricket team that Washington Sundar was chosen as the front-line spinner in Brisbane. The fact that Washington Sundar was handed his cap by his Tamil Nadu team-mate and stalwart Ravichandran Ashwin was a crowning moment. However, getting Steve Smith as his first Test victim will make January 15 the most memorable day in the career of Washington Sundar.
