Cricket

“The ball became very soft” – Washington Sundar opens up on R Ashwin’s crucial advice on Day 1 of IND vs NZ 2024 2nd Test

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar credited Ravichandran Ashwin for his invaluable advice on the opening day of the second Test match against New Zealand at Pune on Thursday. Sundar said Ashwin noted that the ball had become soft and it made sense to ball a bit quicker and get the body behind the ball to reap the rewards.

Ashwin picked the first three wickets, removing Tom Latham, Will Young and Devon Conway. New Zealand was going strongly at 197-3 but Washington Sundar was able to turn a corner.

The off-spinner got rid of a well-settled Rachin Ravindra with a jaffa and also dismissed Tom Blundell before tea, finding the gulf between bat and pad. After the break, Sundar was able to run a riot and completed his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The Tamil Nadu spinner bagged his best bowling Test figures of 7-59 to help India skittle out the Kiwis at 259.

Speaking at the press conference, Sundar said, “The ball became very soft. So, we had to sort of give more speed and more body into the ball, that was something me and Ash (Ashwin) kept talking about. Ashwin said he did that himself in the spell after lunch, that’s how he got (Devon) Conway out. We spoke about it and (I’m) glad I was able to do it.”

The youngster revealed Ashwin is always ready to help his teammates in any form regarding bowling tips.

“It’s quite rare but he is very kind, especially in that perspective. Not just me, but no matter who goes and asks him for ideas about bowling or any technicalities, he’s always there to help everyone.”

Sundar, who replaced Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI, is hopeful of playing more games with veteran spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

“We communicated a lot and they brought in a lot of qualities, skill sets and experience. That really helps for someone who is playing along with them. It definitely helped me today and it is special to be playing in the game in which both of them are part of as well. I hope we will get to play a lot more games together,” Sundar commented.

India ended the opening day’s play at 16-1 after Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a blob.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024