Picture Credit: Twitter/@lanscricket
India all-rounder Washington Sundar has started his County stint with a bang as the 22-year-old bagged a five-wicket haul in the very first inning he played for Lancashire. Sundar, who joined Lancashire’s camp on Monday, made an impact straight away as he dismissed the opposition captain Will Young on the second ball of his very first over in County Championship Division One match between Lancashire and Northamptonshire.
The all-rounder then went on to pick four key wickets to complete his maiden fifer in County Cricket. After Young, the off-break bowler accounted for Ryan Rickelton (22), Rob Keogh (54), Tom Taylor (1), and wicketkeeper-batter Lewis McManus (61) for his next four scalps. By dismissing Keogh, Sundar also broke a 77-run partnership between him and McManus. The 22-year-old returned with figures of 5/76 in the first innings.
With a five-wicket haul on his County debut, Washington Sundar became only the seventh Lancashire cricketer to achieve this feat. Notably, Lancashire Cricket confirmed the signing of the Indian all-rounder in June. Sundar reached Old Trafford, the home of Lancashire Cricket on Monday. He received his jersey upon his arrival.
The 22-year-old will be available for the whole Royal London One-Day Cup competition, and fitness depending, on a number of County Championship games in July.
Notably, Washington Sundar was ruled out of action with a finger injury. After appearing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in a couple of matches in IPL 2022 where he aggravated his injury, the all-rounder returned to National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation. He has been missing in action since then.
However, with only a few months left for the T20 World Cup, Sundar will look to make a comeback in the national setup. If the all-rounder continues to perform for Lancashire in the Royal London One-Day Cup as well, he will have a chance to find a place in India’s white-ball team.