India’s 301^st Test cricketer Washington Sundar was given a surprise debut at Gabba, Brisbane in the fourth Test against Australia. R Ashwin had battled a bad back, along with Hanuma Vihari to earn India a draw in Sydney, but he was unfit for the final Test match.

Sundar was so unprepared for his debut, having been stopped for the Test series as a net bowler after the white-ball series, that he had to buy white batting pads after the match had started in Brisbane.

Speaking to India Today in an interview, Sundar recalled his experience and that vital partnership with Shardul Thakur that was a big reason for India’s win. The duo had added 123 runs for the 7^th wicket, coming together at 186/6, and took the total to 336, 33 runs shy of Australia’s 1^st innings haul of 369.

Shardul made 67 and Sundar made 62 runs. Sundar also picked 4 wickets and scored another vital 22 runs in the second innings, hitting Pat Cummins for a six and a four, kickstarting India's final movement towards the win.

“Definitely, there was a lot of pressure from the bowlers but I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself. I just wanted to enjoy the stage and do the things I was supposed to do, not really worry about too many things. Shardul batted really well and we complemented each other very well. And the way he played those shots,” Washington Sundar said.

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“Runs kept coming after quite some time and it was happening really well at Gabba and most of all we enjoyed batting against a top-quality side coming really hard at us. They knew if they could break that one partnership they would get the upper hand. So, yeah, that partnership was very very crucial for the team.”

Talking about his dream debut and the amazing experience of India’s series win, Sundar recalled, “It was a great debut for me, it was actually a dream game for all of us. Being a part of that game, playing at Gabba. There were a lot of moments in the game that will forever be unforgettable for me, for a lot of other players in the team.

So, yes, I think the most important factor was the fact that we won the game. Especially beating Australia at the Gabba was amazing and being able to chase 300 on the 4th Day was amazing. And the way we’ve been celebrating the victory, I’ve felt so glad to have been part of the Indian team at Gabba.”

(India Today inputs)