Team India sets a challenging target of 534 runs for Australia in the first Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar will play a crucial role in the remaining five Tests over 45 days. The team management's decision to add three spinners to the squad seems strategic, with the sudden preference for all-rounder Washington Sundar, who impressed both legendary Wasim Akram and head coach Ravi Shastri. India's dominant performance in the first innings, led by Yashasvi Jaiswal (161), Virat Kohli (100), and KL Rahul (77), gives them a good start in the tournament.
Washington Sundar: India's Spin-bowling All-Rounder
Washington Sundar has emerged as one of the key players in India's Test squad following his impressive performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Here's a closer look at his background and his role in the team:
Background
Born on October 5, 1999, in Chennai, Sundar is a left-handed batsman and right-arm off-spinner. He started playing cricket at a young age and made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in 2016-17. Sundar's exceptional bowling skills and ability to bat lower down the order have made him a valuable asset for his team.
Role in Team India
Sundar made his Test debut for India against Australia in 2021. Since then, he has played several crucial innings and taken key wickets, cementing his place in the team's spin-bowling department. Sundar's ability to provide control and variation with the ball and contribute with useful runs makes him a complete all-rounder.
In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Sundar has been one of India's standout performers. He has picked up multiple wickets and played a handy hand with the bat, helping India dominate the first Test. His partnership with senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been a potent weapon for the team.
Top 5 FAQs
Q: What are Washington Sundar's batting and bowling statistics? A: As of March 10, 2023, Sundar has played 12 Tests, scoring 593 runs at an average of 33.41 with two centuries and three half-centuries. He has also taken 36 wickets at an average of 30.44 with best figures of 8/106.
Q: How has Sundar performed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy? A: In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Sundar has played three matches and taken 14 wickets at an average of 25.71 with best figures of 5/125. He has also scored 96 runs at an average of 24.00.
Q: What are Sundar's strengths as a cricketer? A: Sundar's primary strength is his ability to bowl accurate and economical off-spin. He has a good flight and can generate turn and bounce. He is also a useful lower-order batsman, capable of playing responsible innings and contributing to the team's total.
Q: What are some memorable performances by Sundar in Test cricket? A: Sundar has played several impactful innings and taken crucial wickets for India in Test cricket. Some of his memorable performances include his 62 and 8/106 against Australia in 2021 and his 96 and 4/121 against Sri Lanka in 2023.
Q: What is Sundar's future in the Indian team? A: With his impressive performances, Sundar has established himself as a key member of India's Test squad. He is expected to continue playing a significant role in the team's spin-bowling attack and contribute with useful runs in the lower order.
Tottenham Hotspur suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of their north London rivals Arsenal, in what turned out to be one of their worst performances of the season. Manager Thomas Frank's tactics and team selection came under scrutiny after he opted for a back three, which he eventually changed at half-time. The defeat saw Spurs record their lowest expected goals (xG) of the season, with just 0.07 xG registered against Arsenal. With just three wins in their last 11 games, Tottenham's season seems to be spiraling downwards and manager Thomas Frank has apologized to fans for their dismal display.
Get ready for a thrilling match as Arsenal, the current leaders of the Premier League table, face off against their rivals Tottenham in the highly-anticipated north London derby. Sky customers can tune in to watch the game on Sky Sports at 4pm or stream it on the Sky Sports app. Non-Sky customers can also catch the action by purchasing a NOW Day or Month pass. Both teams have something to prove as Arsenal looks to maintain its three-point lead while Tottenham aims to climb up the table. Don't miss this showdown at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday November 23 at 4.30pm UK time.
Arsenal's Leandro Trossard scored the opening goal in a 4-1 victory against Tottenham in the North London Derby, for the second season in a row. The Belgian forward expressed his joy post-match, crediting the goal for giving the team the confidence to dominate the game. Trossard also praised the team's overall performance and the support of the fans, who created a stunning atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium. With this win, Arsenal maintains their position at the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal's star midfielder Eberechi Eze proved his worth in the North London derby, leading the Gunners to a 4-1 victory over rivals Tottenham with a stunning hat-trick. However, many were left wondering how different things would have been if Eze had joined Tottenham last summer. The playmaker was expected to join Spurs until Arsenal hijacked the deal due to Kai Havertz's injury. Now, Eze has put all talks about his failed move behind him as he dominates on the pitch for the Gunners.
In a highly anticipated Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, the home side emerged victorious with a 4-1 win. Arsenal's star player Eberechi Eze was the standout performer of the game, scoring a hat-trick and securing the win for his team. Tottenham's defense struggled to contain the Arsenal attack, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario conceding four goals. Despite some solid performances, including that of defender Cristian Romero, the night belonged to Arsenal and Eze's impressive display.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank took the full blame for his team's embarrassing loss to bitter rivals Arsenal. He apologized to the fans and acknowledged that his tactics were a major factor in the defeat. The statistics also showed that this was the second time Tottenham had used a back three system and failed to score above 0.1 expected goals, leaving them in ninth place in the Premier League. Frank admitted his concerns about the team's lack of aggressiveness and creativity in a game like this, and promised to work harder to improve in the future.
The Indian women's blind cricket team has created history by emerging as the champions of the first ever Blind Women's T20 World Cup, held in Colombo. In a one-sided final against Nepal, India showcased their prowess in both bowling and batting to secure a convincing seven-wicket victory. This remarkable feat not only reflects their talent and composure under pressure, but also sends a powerful message about inclusion and expanding women's sport to new formats and communities. By lifting the trophy, the Indian side has given much-deserved recognition to blind cricket and its athletes both in India and globally.
As Arsenal continues to secure long-term commitments from key players, manager Mikel Arteta expresses his belief that discussions with youngster Bukayo Saka and his representatives are progressing positively. Saka, a central figure in Arsenal's development under Arteta, has become a consistent performer and important leader on the pitch. For the manager, the young star's journey with the club is a legacy they are determined to maintain.
Tottenham's manager Thomas Frank apologizes for their disappointing performance against Arsenal, stating that they were not aggressive enough and did not win enough duels. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also apologizes for their lack of fight and acknowledges the importance of sticking together as a team. Despite their emotional defeat, they aim to learn from their mistakes and move forward for their upcoming game on Wednesday. Interestingly, Frank also addresses the controversial second goal scored by Arsenal, but admits that it wouldn't have changed the outcome of the game.
The recent international break was an eventful one for Arsenal, with injuries plaguing the squad. However, amidst the chaos, one former Gunner experienced a career-high moment. Kieran Tierney, who left Arsenal to sign with Celtic, scored a stunning goal for Scotland to secure their spot in the World Cup. Tierney's former teammates, including Mikel Merino, praised him as a "legend" and "deserving" of the achievement.