On a gripping first day of the second Test match between India and New Zealand in Pune, the spotlight has been rightfully shared by two remarkable Indian cricketers. R Ashwin, seasoned and strategic, continued to showcase his prowess, while Washington Sundar, in an astounding comeback, carved his own niche in cricket records with a career-best performance.
As the match commenced, all eyes were trained on senior off-spinner R Ashwin, expected to lead the Indian bowling assault. True to expectations, Ashwin initiated the crucial breakthrough India was vying for against the visiting New Zealand team. Despite starting strong, New Zealand fell prey to the efficient Indian bowling attack, spearheaded primarily by the young Washington Sundar.
Returning to the Test arena with a point to prove, Sundar seized the moment with a sensational display of spin bowling that left spectators and analysts awestruck. His tenacity and precision with the ball dismantled the New Zealand batting line-up, helping India halt the visiting team at a total of 259 all out, a score that seemed far off when New Zealand stood comfortably at 197/3. Sundar’s amazing haul of wickets was decorated with his best first-class figures of 7/59, a performance that will be etched in the memories of Indian cricket fans.
However, Sundar’s brilliance, while noteworthy, did not overshadow the significant milestone achieved by R Ashwin. Although Ashwin claimed three crucial wickets during the innings, his contribution transcended mere numbers. The wickets of Tom Latham, Will Young, and Devon Conway were not just results of skill but marked Ashwin’s entrance into a hallowed echelons of cricketing history.
In a masterful display of line and length, Ashwin trapped New Zealand’s captain, Tom Latham, leg before wicket (LBW), marking a momentous occasion as his 116th LBW in Test cricket and his 150th across all formats in international matches.
. With this, Ashwin joined Sri Lanka’s legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, becoming only the second bowler in the history of the sport to record over 150 LBW dismissals. For context, the revered Muralitharan leads this unique list with 166 dismissals.
In Test cricket alone, Ashwin reigns supreme with his 116 LBW dismissals, now standing clear of the formidable Muralitharan’s 110 dismissals. This achievement highlights Ashwin’s consistent ability to deceive batsmen with his variations, cementing his reputation as one of the best-ever exponents of spin bowling.
Accompanying this feat, Ashwin also clinched the title of the leading wicket-taker in the World Test Championship history, surpassing Australia’s Nathan Lyon with a cumulative 531 wickets in Test cricket.
Amidst these personal achievements, a collective storyline unfolded on the pitch. India, despite losing their skipper Rohit Sharma late in the day, are keenly positioned to bridge the gap with New Zealand’s score. The batsmen, including young talents Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, alongside seasoned performers Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli, now bear the responsibility to convert the platform laid down by the bowlers into a substantial lead.
The pitch in Pune still offers a conducive surface for batting, and the Indian team aims to capitalize on these conditions. The innings ahead promises intense competition as both teams vie to gain the upper hand in this crucial Test.
In reflection, the first day of the Test in Pune not only reaffirmed Ashwin’s legendary status but also heralded the promising comeback of Washington Sundar, an artist of spin who painted a beautiful cricketing picture on this much-anticipated day. As the match progresses, cricket enthusiasts around the world remain eager to witness how these narratives will further unfold.
