T Natarajan Brought Us Back In The Game: Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar has said T Natarajan brought India back in the game on day one of the ongoing fourth Test against Australia in Brisbane. Both Washington Sundar and T Natarajan were handed their debut caps on Friday after Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin were ruled out of the Test with injuries.

And the newcomers went on to make their mark. Washington Sundar took the prized scalp of Steve Smith before T Natarajan dismissed well-set Matthew Wade and Marnus Labuschagne in quick succession to put India on top. Australia were in cruise control when Wade and Labuschagne were batting.

Labuschagne had completed his century while Wade was heading towards a fifty when T Natarajan removed both of them with short deliveries in his successive overs. He first accounted for Wade to end the 113-run stand before sending back Labuschagne to leave Australia reeling at 213 for 5.

“I think Nattu bowled really well today. He brought us back in the game. Labuschagne and Wade added runs but he dismissed both of them and definitely feels good making debut alongside him. He is a champion bowler and hopes he does really well,” Washington Sundar told the media during the virtual press conference at the end of the opening day’s action at The Gabba.

Washington Sundar further spoke about his own experience in Test cricket. The spinner said he was really excited to go out and express himself. At the same time, he admitted that he was a little nervous at the same time as he was playing his first game in the longest format for India.

“It’s a big opportunity to represent the country and playing Test cricket is an amazing thing. I was very excited to go there and bowl the first ball and after that, I just wanted to bowl a lot many balls and pick wickets,” said Washington Sundar.

“Yes, there was some nervousness but more than anything it’s an amazing opportunity to represent the country,” he added.

Meanwhile, Australia managed to recover after losing two quick wickets with Tim Paine (38) and Cameron Green (28) sharing an unbeaten 61-run stand. At stumps, the hosts were on 274 for 5.

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