File image of Ishant Sharma
India's bowling spearhead in Test format, fast bowler Ishant Sharma has made a promising debut for his side Sussex in the ongoing County Championship against Warwickshire. Ishant dished out a couple of impressive spells to end up with match figures of 29.2-7-69-5. The Delhi-born speedster took 3/53 and 2/16, respectively, in the two Warwickshire innings. In the first innings, he picked up the three wickets of Wilfred Rhodes, Adam Hose and wicket-keeper batsman Tim Ambrose.
While, in the second innings, Ishant bowled with a lot of nip and picked up the wickets of Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell, which gave Sussex some moments to cheer before the close of play on the final day. As Sussex recruits Chris Jordan and Jofra Archer are busy in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Ishant's performance is a saviour for the County side. However, Ishant's performance went in vain as the weather gods kept intervening as the match resulted in a draw.
The County club Sussex posted a video of Ishant's performance on his official Twitter handle, with the caption: “Five wickets for @ImIshant on his @CountyChamp debut! Highlights from day four of our season opener vs. Warwickshire are available now. #gosbts”
But from Ishant’s perspective, such performances would keep him in good stead ahead of India’s upcoming tour against England, which includes four Test matches. Sussex will next play Leicestershire from April 20. Meanwhile, the likes of Virat Kohli has also chosen an English County- Surrey- for preparation for the upcoming Test series.
After going unsold in the cash-rich Indian Premier League, Ishant was signed by Sussex for the first two months of the English county season. He will also be available for five games in the County Championship and all eight group stage matches in the One-Day Cup.
Apart from Ishant, Cheteshwar Pujara will also be seen in action for Yorkshire in the ongoing season. India captain is another marquee player from the country who will make his County debut this season for Surrey to prepare in advance for England. Surrey are listed to play three four day games in June against the likes of Hampshire, Somerset and Yorkshire, all of which Kohli is expected to play.
