CHENNAI: Washington Sundar took many by surprise when the India all-rounder turned up for a TNCA first division (VAP Trophy) one-dayer in Chennai on Friday. Washington was on a month-long break following a demanding five-match England Test tour that ended on August 4. The 25-year-old, setting his sights firmly on the home Test assignments against the West Indies and South Africa in the coming months, got down to business again on Friday to mark his competitive return. Representing Globe Trotters SC, the off-spinning all-rounder struck a patient 36 and picked up a wicket in the seven-wicket defeat to Young Stars CC. The outing can be termed as a ‘warm up’ for his brief English County stint with Hampshire, which will begin on Monday. The last two rounds of the County Championship – Hampshire will play against Somerset and Surrey – will allow Washington to get back into red-ball mode. It is to be noted that he was not picked in the South Zone squad for the ongoing Duleep Trophy, despite BCCI’s directive to zonal selectors to include India internationals if available. M Senthilnathan, TN head coach and Washington’s mentor at the MRF Academy, said that the County spell will help the Tamil Nadu youngster regain momentum ahead of the home season. “These four-day games will act as preparation for the Test matches. Washington can get back his rhythm in red-ball cricket. He is not going to suffer from fatigue, thanks to the weather conditions in England,” Senthilnathan told TOI on Saturday. Washington was able to explore options after not being named in the 15-member India squad – he is part of the non-travelling reserves list – for the ongoing Asia Cup in the UAE. “The pitches in England are going to be totally different (from the ones in India) but it is good that he will get some games under his belt before the Tests. I feel that continuity will help; he will become mentally prepared to play for a longer duration, considering that he is coming back from a break. If given a chance, he may have to bowl a lot of overs (for India) on pitches that assist the spinners,” added Senthilnathan, who has seen Washington’s rise from close quarters. Washington’s fruitful England experience could come in handy during the Hampshire stint. “He (Washington) had an excellent series against England this summer and he will play a key role with two big games coming up,” Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said.
