AUS v IND 2020-21: R Sridhar reveals how Indian team struggled for suitable pads for Washington Sundar for his debut Test

Washington scored maiden Test fifty on his debut at The Gabba.

Washington Sundar hit his maiden Test fifty at The Gabba | Getty Images

India’s recent Test series in Australia saw as many as five players making their Test debut on the tour Down Under - Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, T Natarajan, and Navdeep Saini. Everyone grabbed the opportunity and stunned the cricketing world with their ability and temperament.

Sundar was among the standout performers from the young India team – as the youngster notched up his maiden Test fifty (62) runs, as well as, stitched a crucial seventh-wicket partnership – a 123-run stand with Shardul Thakur (67) to help India storm back into contention in the final Test, eventually winning the match by 3 wickets against Australia at the Gabba.

The left-hander also scored 22 runs in the second innings of India to support Rishabh Pant to chase the total of 329 against Australia at their fortress, The Gabba last week. Well, apart from his exceptional batting, the spinner also scalped four wickets in the match to play a crucial role in India’s historic win at The Gabba as India retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1 in Australia.

Read Also: AUS v IND 2020-21: "Proud of my son and Team India; he will become a legend," says Washington Sundar's father

After returning home, India’s fielding coach R Sridhar has revealed an interesting story about Team India’s search for a pair of suitable pads for Sundar before his debut Test.

He further said the Indian team struggled to find a suitable pair of pads for the all-rounder and they even tried to get the pads from the Australians but due to COVID-19, they couldn’t share, and eventually, they had to go to a shop after the Brisbane Test started.

Sridhar was quoted saying by Telangana Today: “We tried many but they were too small for the tall Sundar. We tried getting from the Aussies but due to Covid, they could not spare their pads. Finally, we had to go to a shop after the Test match had started.”

Noteworthy, Sundar will be soon seen in action for India in the upcoming four-Test series against England at home having been named in national squad for the first 2 Tests.

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 23 Jan, 2021

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