Indian cricketer Washington Sundar managed to make an immediate impact on his debut. After being drafted into the starting XI with Ashwin’s injury, Sundar was good in his first test match.
He bowled tight lines and ensured that the run flow is stemmed from his end. The Indian bowling unit is completely unexperienced but are showing some signs of fight. Meanwhile, Australia are trying to make the most out of the pitch at Gabba.
In fact, the visitors were forced to field the replacements as they are marred with injuries throughout the series. This is their second string side and is far from the strongest Indian lineup.
Steve Smith have looked solid in the Sydney test. However, his struggles against Ashwin in this series is well documented. The ex-Aussie skipper have fought life tough against off spin and was dismissed multiple times.
In the absence of Ashwin, Sundar took Smith’s wicket. It was a tossed up delivery on the middle stump that was turning into pads. Smith flicked the ball and Rohit Sharma placed at short mid-wicket took an easy catch.
The ploy to dismiss Steve Smith has once again worked for India. It was a brilliant field placement and impactful bowling change made by captain Ajinkya Rahane. Sundar will remember this wicket for his lifetime as Smith is one of the best in Test cricket.
Watch Washington Sundar’s first test wicket here
India have played fiercely in this series against Australia despite the countless injuries. Their inexperienced lineup shows the amount of players that the visitors lost. On the other hand, the pressure is on Australia to win this test match.
Brisbane has been the fortress for Australia as they did not lose a single test at the venue since 1988. They got off to a solid start with Marnus Labuschagne and Matthew Wade going well at the moment.
Ajinkya Rahane will rue the dropped catch of Labuschagne. The Aussie batsman was able to make the most of Indian bowlers after that incident. India will be hoping that he does not get many runs after given a life. If Australia manages to put up a big total in first innings, it will be very tough for India to retain the Border Gavaskar trophy.
