Washington was happy to be part of the spin trio after heroics on the first day

(Reuters) – Washington Sundar was the standout bowler for India on Thursday with seven wickets against New Zealand, but the 25-year-old said it was a special experience to be part of the three-pronged spin attack on the opening day of the second Test.

After veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin did the initial damage with 3-64, Washington saw off the Black Caps and finished the game with a career-best 7-59, restricting them to 259, before a thrilling day saw India score 16: 1 at Stumps.

Ravindra Jadeja remained wicketless on the day but contributed to the tourists' inability to continue their positive start.

“We communicated a lot. They also brought with them many qualities, skills and experience. This really helps for someone playing along with them. It definitely helped me today,” Washington told reporters.

“It's special, isn't it, to take part in a game where both of them are involved. I hope we get to play a lot more games together.”

Washington was a late addition to the squad after India's eight-wicket defeat in the series opener in Bengaluru and said he was pleased with how things turned out for him.

“From the start of playing this game and coming back to the Test squad, there are a lot of things that I can say mean a lot to me and are very special,” added Washington, who replaced Kuldeep Yadav in the XI .

“I am grateful. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that day.”

Washington will add additional firepower to India's long batting line-up after they scored 152 in a recent home game and he said he was looking forward to Friday's action.

“It will be exciting,” the Tamil Nadu player added.

“Hopefully we can get a lot of runs on the board.”

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