Last Update on: November 17th, 2021 at 04:41 pm
Washington Sundar was a notable absentee in India‘s Test squad for the upcoming 2-Test home series against New Zealand as he’s yet to completely recover from the finger injury which he had sustained in July, during a practice game ahead of the England series in England.
Now, the selectors are hoping that the off-spinning all-rounder gets fit in time to fly for South Africa next month.
Washington Sundar has been away from high-level cricket, missing the England Test series, the second half of the IPL 2021, followed by the T20 World Cup, and then the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this month. He has been training and rehabilitating at the NCA but hasn’t been yet given the clearance to play international cricket yet.
Jayant Yadav has been named in the Test squad to support the trio of R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel
Washington Sundar starts training at MCA
Times of India reported Washington Sundar to be training at Mumbai Cricket Association’s Recreation Centre at the Bandra- Kurla Complex. On Monday, the left-hander took some throwdowns, though he didn’t bat or bowl.
Washington Sundar progress has been monitored by the selectors as well, who are wishing for the 22-year-old to be fit for the Test series in South Africa.
“The selectors are hoping that he’d be fit for the first Test in South Africa, which kicks off on December 17 in Johannesburg.
“He’s a crucial cog in the wheel, especially as he bats so well and adds strength to the lower order. The team missed him badly in the T20 World Cup,” a source told TOI.
Washington Sundar has featured in 4 Tests so far. He averages 66.25 with the bat with three fifties and has taken 6 wickets. He played a crucial role with both bat and ball in India’s historic victory over Australia at the Gabba.
India will host New Zealand for three T20Is – to be played in Jaipur (November 17), Ranchi (November 19) and Kolkata (November 21) – followed by Tests in Kanpur (November 25-29) and Mumbai (December 3-7) – before flying out for South Africa.
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