Washington Sundar headlines India’s first day of dominion in Pune

The Indian bowlers had a good opening day of the Pune Test in the field as Washington Sundar, who replaced Kuldeep Yadav in the XI, spearheaded a phenomenal charge with figures of 7/59. On winning the toss, New Zealand chose to bat first. Ravichandran Ashwin provided early success to Team India in the form of Tom Latham’s wicket (15).

With Devon Conway grinding his way through the Indian bowling attack, the Kiwis looked to be navigating the Indian bowlers significantly well. However, Ashwin’s second strike to remove Will Young (18) allowed India to breathe a sigh of reprieve. As Conway (76) and Rachin Ravindra (65) steered the wheels for the visitors, India felt the heat growing.

It was Ashwin again who broke the partnership,  claiming Conway’s wicket. However, an incoming Daryl Mitchell (18) did throw in the anchor, allowing Ravindra to helm the ship. It was Washington Sundar whose reintroduction into the mix completely flipped the tide. The madness started with the wicket of Ravindra when he managed to sneak one in through the defences.

The fall of Rachin Ravindra opened up the floodgates and the Kiwis had a hapless collapse, losing their last seven wickets for 62 runs. All seven of them went to Washington Sundar who announced his arrival with figures of 7/59. At the end of the day, despite losing Rohit Sharma early, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal kept their calm and took India to Stumps with the score on 16/1.

Brief scores:

New Zealand – 259/10 (Devon Conway – 76, Rachin Ravindra – 65, Washington Sundar – 7/59)

India – 16/1 (Shubman Gill – 10*, Tim Southee –1/4)