Australia vs India: Washington Sundar's Family "Very Pleased" By His Attitude, Says Sister

Washington Sundar -- the newest find for India -- is the third cricketer in his family, however, he is the most famous. Washi, as he is popularly called, is "eagerly waiting to come home" said his sister Shailaja who has played state cricket for Tamil Nadu. Post the IPL in the UAE, Sundar travelled Down Under with the team as a net bowler to replicate Nathan Lyon like deliveries. Until injuries to Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, there was no opening. Shailaja said, "I wanted him to play in Tests. Hoped that he would get one test to play before he came back home, I am so happy it happened. A couple of weeks ago dad said that he will play a game before he comes home."

Washington's don Sundar had an intuition that his 21-year old son will debut in Australia, but no one believed him.

Now he comes home, having conquered the Aussie shores. Sundar scored 62 runs in the first innings in a 123-run stand with Shardul Thakur that helped India get to 336.

"I was impressed by the way he went about the game. He soaked in the pressure and was persistent. His resilience, the way he played with Shardul, the partnership was crucial that balanced the test match," Shailaja told NDTV.

But what would be talked about long after is his dismissal of Steve Smith. Much like Ashwin, he laid the leg side trap.

In fact, his first three overs in Test cricket were maidens bowled to Smith -- the top-ranked Test batsman. On the first ball of his fourth over, he had his man.

Shailaja said that her brother prepares well.

"He had his preparations done for Smith and Warner. This was a very crucial game and he executed his plans very well,"  she said.

"I was happy to see his composure, in spite of this being his first game. It was a very emotional moment for everyone. But he kept things together, he kept emotions under check, and ensured that the team went onto win the Test and the series; that was very nice to see of him. He did not get affected by all the hardships he had to face in the game. I admire that about him."
 
In the second innings, during his brief stay, he took on Pat Cummins and hit him for a six, which set off a late assault that saw India complete the chase.

"It was a fantastic shot indeed. Through his growing years, I have seen him hit that shot and I was so happy to see him hit that. I wanted him to execute it at this level," said a very happy sister

With the job done Down Under, Sundar will return home to his mother's chakra pongals. Shailaja says they are in the making and also the big feast will be ready by the time he comes home.

Shailaja can't wait to show all her love to her baby brother. "I am going to hug him and give him all my love."

Topics mentioned in this article

Australia vs India 2020-21 Australia vs India, 4th Test Australia Cricket Team India Cricket Team Washington Sundar Cricket