NEW DELHI: Manav Suthar described himself as being on top of the world after the left-arm spinner’s sensational debut helped India crush Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs in the one-off Test, with the youngster insisting that patience and consistency remain the keys to success in the longest format.Suthar was named Player of the Match after finishing with seven wickets in the game, including a remarkable first-innings haul of 6 for 33 that set up India’s biggest-ever victory in Test cricket.“It’s an unreal feeling. Top of the world feeling. When I went in to bat, I felt good slowly after facing a few balls and when I bowled the first over I wanted to stick to similar lengths and line,” Suthar said after receiving the award.
‘Test cricket is about patience’
The 23-year-old from Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar revealed that he had to adjust quickly after realising the surface was slower than expected.“I tried to back my stock delivery but I understood that the pitch is slightly slow so I had to put in more effort,” he said.Suthar also smiled while recalling the dismissal of Saleem Safi, who was given out lbw despite ball-tracking later showing that the delivery had pitched outside leg stump.“I felt it was absolutely plumb in the heat of the moment,” he said with a smile.The debutant, however, stressed that sustained accuracy and patience are the foundations of success in Test cricket.“Bowling at the same spot is important. Test cricket is about patience so I hope I can be consistent with my bowling,” he said.His 6 for 33 was the second-best innings figures by an Indian bowler on Test debut after Narendra Hirwani‘s 8 for 61 against the West Indies in 1988. Afghanistan were bowled out for 152 in the first innings and 112 after being asked to follow on. Washington Sundar (4/36) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/30) shared seven wickets in the second innings as India wrapped up victory midway through the third day.
