Australia vs India: Washington Sundar's life has always revolved around 22 yards, says sister

At 181-6, two inexperienced players Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur were tasked to power India to a competitive total in response to Australia's first innings score of 369. The Aussie pacers bowled nagging lengths and kept batsmen on a tight leash. However, the duo came up trumps, stitching together a record 123-run partnership. The 7th wicket partnership put the Aussies on the backfoot and changed the whole tempo of the game. Washington Sundar's 144-ball 62 was the highest score by a debut visiting batsman in Australia. Despite not having played a First-Class game since 2017, the 21-year-old showed great character and temperament beyond his age. On a bowling front, Sundar claimed four wickets including the prize scalps of Steve Smith and David Warner.

Washington's elder sister, Shailaja Sundar was pleased with her brother's dream Test debut at the Gabba.  "The way Washi played was formidable. It didn't look like a debutant was playing his first game. I thoroughly enjoyed his partnership with Shardul Thakur. That really turned the game in India's favour and they went on to win the game. So happy. " - Shailaja Sundar was quoted as saying to India Today. 

A professional cricketer herself, Shailaja said Washington's life has always revolved around 22 yards. 

"Well, I think Washington's life has always been around cricket. Right from his childhood, he has always watched cricket on the television. He loved playing cricket alongside boys older than his age. So I think, over the years, he has learned a lot. He has been able to adapt to tougher conditions and a lot more difficult situations. 

The strong-willed temperament, though, seems to have originated from disciplined and systematic training regimes mapped out by his father in the formative days.

"That was evident in the way he approached his innings. In the second innings, his partnership with Rishabh Pant was crucial. We needed some quick runs in a limited number of overs. That 50-plus partnership was very crucial. Over the years, he always made sure he is prepared for every game, no matter what level he plays. The work ethics that he has is very crucial in his successful career so far." - she said. 

Washington Sundar's all-round exploits were instrumental in India's historic win in Brisbane. 

Captain Kohli is back at the helm of the Indian Test team, as Mohammed Siraj and Washi get picked for first two Tests against ???????. The series starts on the 5th of February in Chennai. ?@imVkohli @Sundarwashi5#PlayBold #INDvENG #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/NcWJGKUGv4

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) January 19, 2021

After an inspiring performance, the youngster has been named in India's squad for the first two Tests of a four-match series against England, starting from February 5 in Chennai. 

[India Today input]