With a sensational three wicket performance, Manav Suthar Debut’s debut on the international stage was destined to be a defining moment of day two of the one-off Test match between India and Afghanistan in New Chandigarh. Suthar’s classy delivery with the ball brought the host side entirely under control on the pitch while valuable additions of Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant in the middle of the order helped India control the match for so many centuries.
India started the day with a huge lead and expanded it to 564 for 8 in a declared stand. Many were inspired in Afghanistan by the six wickets scored by Mohammad Saleem for the first time, but it was not enough to provide the visitors with an answer in the face of a stern Indian bowling defence. Still trailing by 451 runs, Afghanistan were holding on for their lives, at 113 for 5, by the stumps.
The starting period of India’s Batters is off to a flying start and they continue to build on their foundation.
The first and foremost thing was India were able to create a lead for Afghanistan to be ruled out of the game. Hosts went on to score freely to regain their position from where they were sitting overnight. The hosts were able to make the visitors’ bowlers work hard in the difficult conditions.
Shubman Gill followed up his effort of the night with another strike, before finally heading away for a brilliant 126. For the third time, the India skipper also displayed his newfound maturity in the attacks of the longest format, carrying the day with him. Muttiah’s century took the same toll as KL Rahul too, in his impressive comeback to red-ball cricket.
Yet, the middle order also was critical. Rishabh Pant schooled the crowds with an underhand control that was all laid-back and aggressive as he knocked 81 in his CV, his 50th Test. Pant, however, was not like his previous efforts but was gentle before going rampage when given an opportunity.
Then, Washington Sundar got India over the 550-mark. Realizing the importance of a low-order player in Test cricket, he did not let the Afghanistan bowlers beat him on 52.
In what way does Mohammad Saleem face a solitary battle?How is Mohammad Saleem a lone man?
In the end Moldova provided Afghanistan with a bright spot with Mohammad Saleem, even with India dominating. The fast bowler worked tirelessly and became the hero for the visitors.
In Saleem’s time, India’s youth never got away with him on the balls. He shifted the gears by barring key players like Gill and Dhruv Jurel, kept the pressure on toughly though and into a long spell. His last 6 for 140 was more a measure of his perseverance than of his prowess.
It was unfortunate that he did not get the assistance from the other bowlers that he needed, as was the case with the wicket-keeper for the Afghan. The lack of review opportunities and steady pressure from the other end enabled India to further strengthen ties during the day.
However, Saleem’s six-wicket haul was an impressive personal record, and in the midst of a tough day on the ball, the best Africa could hope for.
Manav Suthar announced his presence on the Big stage.
But the most important point to consider stayed the **Manav Suthar Debut**.
The young spinner was introduced into the attack shortly after tea, and was immediately at ease at Test level. After a season which lacked any real finesse, Suthar appeared confident and produced brilliant drift and turn from the surface.
His control was as good as his wicket-taking. He regularly took the ball into uncomfortable positions, and did not give Afghanistan batters much respite from having to take the field.
However, the moment finally came when Abdul Malik was given a shot to make things happen and he delivered an interesting carry with a shot that “took a deep dive.The breakthrough finally did come though when Abdul Malik fired an ambitious carry shot and did so in time to find a deep fielder. After the burning start, Suthar followed with another significant delivery to dismiss Rahmanullah Gurbaz that skoled outside.
His third wicket was late in the day, and ended a superb debut for him, giving India every reason to be hopeful of their spin-bowling future.
Afghanistan Struggle Against India’s Attack
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s batting succeeded in not really gaining momentum. A very fine attempt at resistance was made by Rahmat Shah, who dished out an unbeaten 43, but the wickets tumbled at intervals.
Sediqullah Atal and Hashmatullah Shahidi were eliminated by Prasidh Krishna’s good pomoc. Even though Kuldeep Yadav had a mediocre innings, he still caused some problems.
Both the visitors had a tough time in balancing their attack and defence and making the turnovers they needed to respond to India’s mammoth 400 runs in the first innings. By the day’s end, survival was highly their focus.
Afghanistan had already managed to lose half their team by stumps, and were still far from avoiding the follow-on.
India Eye Early Victory
Lastly, India have another great positive in the form of Manav Suthar, as the battle takes a pivotal turn towards a one-sided game. The hosts have taken the lead with both bat and ball and a few players have beefed up their individual profile.
There was great depth in India’s batting marked by Gill’s century, Rahul’s hundred, the entertaining innings of Pant and Washington’s unbeaten half-century. However, it was Suthar’s poise and influence on his debut which was eye-catching.
As both sides are tied by further 451 runs and have just five wickets to bowl out of, India will be looking to close out the match and secure a major win on day three. But if Suthar can maintain his bowlers’ level and him, then his debut may turn up to be one of the most memorable moments in the Indian debut for Test cricket in recent years.
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