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NEW DELHI: Manav Suthar could hardly have asked for a better start to his Test career. The left-arm spinner marked his debut with three wickets on Day 2 against Afghanistan, earning praise from legendary India captain and batting great Sunil Gavaskar.Suthar struck in his very first over in Test cricket, dismissing Abdul Malik to enter an elite list of Indian bowlers who have taken a wicket in their opening over on debut. He finished the day with figures of 3/34, removing Abdul Malik, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Afsar Zazai as Afghanistan closed on 113/5, still trailing India by 451 runs.Impressed by the youngster’s all-round display, Gavaskar highlighted not only Suthar’s bowling but also the composure he showed with the bat.“Manav Suthar has certainly made an impressive start to his Test career. What stood out was not just his bowling, but also the confidence he showed with the bat, particularly in the way he used his feet and looked comfortable at the crease,” Gavaskar while speaking on JioStar’s ‘Cricket Live’ said.“With the ball, he was extremely accurate and consistently put the batters under pressure. There was some assistance available from the surface, which he utilised well, but the real test for any spinner comes on flatter pitches where greater variety and adaptability are required.”While urging caution over judging a spinner solely on a helpful surface, Gavaskar felt Suthar had shown enough promise to suggest he can succeed at the highest level.“Having said that, this was a highly encouraging debut and he has shown the attributes to be a strong contender at the Test level going forward,” he added.Suthar’s selection was backed by a strong domestic record. The Rajasthan all-rounder has claimed 129 wickets in 29 first-class matches at an average of 25.76, including best figures of 8/33. His red-ball résumé also features six five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket match hauls.The 23-year-old has also contributed with the bat, scoring 945 runs in 48 first-class innings at an average of 25.54, including a century and six fifties, with a highest score of 120.Earlier this year, Suthar represented Gujarat Titans in the IPL, picking up two wickets in four matches.
