AUS v IND 2020-21: Sundar thanks team management for asking him to stay in Australia throughout the Test series

Washington Sundar became the 301st player to represent India in Test cricket.

By Salman Anjum - 15 Jan, 2021

India spinner Washington Sundar on Friday (January 15) became the 301st cricketer to represent the country in the longest format of the game.

Sundar received his maiden Test cap from off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of the toss in Brisbane.

Sundar, who was asked to stay back in Australia after the limited-overs fixtures, revealed that he improved his skills both in batting and bowling during his stay Down Under.

"I (would) like to thank the management for asking me to stay throughout the Test series because I felt I improved on my skill levels both in my batting and bowling while staying here," Sundar told the media during the virtual press conference at the end of the first day’s play at the Gabba, as quoted by ANI.

"The facilities over here, the wicket over here, everything over here I felt it would help me get better with my skills," he added.

The off-spinner also thanked his family for the support and said without their hard work his dream of playing Test cricket wouldn't have come true.

"Yes, last 24 hours have been amazing for me, the management did ask me to be ready to play this game and I was really excited, definitely a dream come true moment for me," he said.

"I think I should dedicate this to my family, they really worked hard and sacrificed a lot of things for me to achieve this and I think without their support I don't think it was possible for me to play Test match," he added.

Coming to the match, Washington Sundar dismissed Australia’s star batsman Steve Smith for 36 to claim his maiden Test wicket on Day 1 at the Gabba.

Meanwhile, India suffered another injury concern as pacer Navdeep Saini was taken for scans after complaining of groin pain on the opening day of the fourth Test.

Sundar hoped to see the pacer bowling the first over on Day 2.

"To be honest I have no idea about that but let's see. I really wish he comes back and bowls the first over tomorrow," he said.

(With ANI inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 15 Jan, 2021

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