In Wellington, Ishant Sharma picked the 11th five-wicket haul of his Test career. He was the only pacer among India’s bowling department to notch the wicket when the team needed a breakthrough. Former Australian Pacer Jason Gillespie has lauded Ishant Sharma’s performance in the field against New Zealand in Wellington.
In the first innings, India was all out for 165 which was a below-par total against New Zealand. But Ishant somewhat created hurdles in front of the hosts despite other bowlers lacking fizz excluding Ravichandran Ashwin. He sent back the openers early and then picked the crucial wicket of veteran cricketer Ross Taylor.
New Zealand innings proceeded to the third day, Ishant opened his account while sending back Tim Southee. And his fifth wicket was of Trent Boult. The lanky pacer returned with figures of five for 68 in 22.2 overs.
Ishant was praised by Gillespie for his remarkable show. Also, Gillespie credited India’s coaching staff for Ishant’s better performance.
“Very happy to see Ishant do so well- all down to his attitude to want to learn, improve and get better. The current coaching staff of the @BCCI team need to take a lot of credit,” Gillespie said in a tweet.
Very happy to see Ishant do so well- all down to his attitude to want to learn, improve and get better.
The current coaching staff of the @BCCI team need to take a lot of credit. ?? https://t.co/Nn2oJjoVC7— Jason Gillespie ? (@dizzy259) February 22, 2020
Ishant has just recovered from a Grade 3 tear on his right ankle which he suffered during Ranji Trophy 2019-20 season. Last month against Vidarbha at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the pacer slipped while fielding and was ruled out of the game.
Last week ahead of the Test series, he got a green signal from NCA to play. Ishant showed gratitude to the NCA staff for supporting him to recover soon.
“All credit goes to NCA support staff as they worked really hard with me. We never really thought I have to play a Test because my MRI shows I had a complete ligament tear, not one but two tears. People said ‘he is out for six weeks’,” he pointed.
Meanwhile, New Zealand has the lead of 39 runs as India is reeling at 144 for four.