Team India off-spinner Washington Sundar cleaned up New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell with a peach during the first innings of the second Test match. Washington Sundar took two wickets and brought his team into the match at the stroke of Tea break on the first day of the match.
The announcement of India’s playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune has sparked discussions among fans and analysts. Rohit Sharma’s led side made three changes to their playing XI after suffering a shocking eight wicket loss in the first Test in Bengaluru.
Shubman Gill returned the lineup after missing the first Test due to a stiff neck. Akash Deep and Washington Sundar were also included in the XI, while KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav dropped from the team. The inclusion of Washington has sparked debate among fans and experts.
Watch: Washington Sundar Cleans Up Tom Blundell With A Peach
The dismissal occurred on the last over before the Tea break, Washington Sundar bowled Tom Blundell. Sundar set up the wicket by beating Blundell’s outside edge with the previous ball. He then slowed the delivery that dipped and turned sharply between Blundell’s bat and pad to his stumps.
Sundar celebrated as India came back into the match with the back-to-back dismissals. The New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter scored just three runs before walking back to the dressing room. Tom Latham’s side lost their half of the side for just 201 runs with Daryl Mitchell at the crease with 16 runs.
Here’s the video of Tom Blundell’s wicket off Washington Sundar during the match:
After Blundell was dismissed, Ian Smith on air said, “Selectors would be pleased, a lot of people were asking whether it was the right move to bring Sundar in, instead of Kuldeep, it is proving to be the right move.”
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) October 24, 2024
New Zealand designated wicketkeepers have struggled to perform in Test matches in India, with only one score of over 50 in 31 innings since 1990. The lone half-century came from Kruger van Wyk, who scored 71 runs in Bengaluru in 2012. Tom Blundell has scored just 31 runs in his Test career in India.
There Are No Demons In The Pitch – Anil Kumble
During the tea break, Anil Kumble said that the pitch isn’t overly challenging, but it is helping the spinners. He noted that there is some turn and bounce, which makes it uncomfortable for the batsmen. Kumble emphasized that there is enough assistance for the spinners.
“There are no demons in the pitch, but it is definitely assisting spinners. The ball has done something, it has turned and bounced, it has kept the batter not comfortable. There is enough for the spinners,” Kumble said.
Also read: Rohit Sharma questioned for Washington Sundar’s inclusion in Pune Test from Australia
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