Hardik Pandya, returning from back surgery a year ago, bowled in top-level cricket for the first time against Australia during the second ODI in Sydney on Sunday.

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya bowled in top-level cricket for the first time against Australia during the second ODI in Sydney on Sunday, returning after back surgery a year ago. Hardik Pandya took one wicket for 24 runs in 4 overs.

After the ODI two days ago, Pandya said that he will bowl in ‘important’ matches and only when the time is right. Pandya bowled when his team came under pressure, in which he also put a good over. He lost just five runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground against the in-form Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschen.

In his second over, Pandya conceded just four runs, in which the Australians found it difficult to play his slow ball. He took the wicket of Smith. He managed to lure the Australian out in his third over. In an attempt to play his ball, Smith caught Mohammed Shami at short third man.

Earlier, his ‘delivery stride’ was more on the side. But on Sunday it was seen from the front of the chest, which he has done to reduce the pressure on his body. When the Indian bowlers were having trouble, Pandya took one wicket for 24 runs in 4 overs.

With 10 months left in the ICC T20 World Cup, Pandya hinted on Friday that he would be bowling keeping in mind the long-term goals and the big tournament.

Pandya underwent back surgery in the UK in October last year. His bench has been troubling him since the Test series in England in 2018.

Due to this surgery, he remained out of cricket for about a year. The all-rounder played the last T20 International against South Africa in September 2019.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR