Simon Doull has expressed his support for Washington Sundar as one of India’s spin options for the upcoming tour of Australia. Doull believes that Sundar would be a stronger choice than R. Ashwin in the five-match Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Sundar has been in impressive form during India’s current Test series against New Zealand, emerging as the leading wicket-taker despite missing the first Test in Bengaluru.
“The skills Washington Sundar has demonstrated are noteworthy; he can deliver both skidding and turning deliveries while getting good bounce,” Doull stated during the broadcast following Day 1’s play. “He is making a strong case for selection in the Tests against Australia.”
In the three innings of the ongoing series, Sundar has claimed 15 wickets at an economy rate of 3.22, including a remarkable seven-wicket haul in the first innings of the Pune Test, followed by four wickets in the subsequent innings. He continued his excellent performance by taking four wickets in the first innings of the Mumbai Test.
Doull noted that India should take inspiration from Nathan Lyon’s success in Australia and give Sundar an opportunity. He advised against the idea of fielding four seamers just because of the Australian conditions.
“I think from India’s perspective, it’s important to field the best five bowlers. The most effective combination I’ve seen here includes three seamers, along with Jadeja and Sundar. There’s no need to play four seamers just for the sake of it because you’re heading to Australia,” Doull emphasized.
“He is really establishing himself as one of the more effective bowlers, and Nathan Lyon has shown that off-spinners can thrive down under,” he added.
India’s tour of Australia is set to commence with the Perth Test on November 22.
