India vs New Zealand 2nd Test: It was a day to remember for Washington Sunder, who was making his comeback to Test cricket after 3 years, as the off-spinner put on an exhibition of drift and dip on a pitch to leave the New Zealand batter with little to answers in the second match at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday. Sundar justified his selection with a stunning seven-wicket haul on the opening day of the Test, achieving his best-ever figures in first-class cricket. New Zealand was cruising at 197 for 3 when Sundar struck for the first time, and he then single-handedly dismantled the remainder of their lineup, claiming the next six wickets.
Let's take a look at how Sundar got his best first-class figures. 1) Sundar claimed his first wicket in the 60th over of the Blackcaps’ innings, as the off-spinner got the wicket of Rachin Ravindra, who had tortured India in Bengaluru. Ravindra at the score of 65 looked poised for another big inning but it was the day to shine for Sundar as he castled the New Zealand batter, sending him back in the second session itself.
Sundar's bowling from around the wicket to completely befuddled Ravindra. The young batter was left stunned, squared up in his defensive stance as Sundar's delivery clipped the off stump, sending it tumbling. 2) Sundar continued to showcase his exceptional skill, claiming the wicket of Tom Blundell in a near-identical fashion.
3) Off Spinner's exceptional spell after tea saw him claim all five wick.