The Indian wickets have traditionally been a paradise for spinners, for the decks are flat with stumpy grass or sometimes no greenery at all.

This was evident yet again when India ‘A’ spinners – Pragyan Ojha and Amit Mishra – ran through the Australia ‘A’ batting line-up during the two team’s four-day match that ended in a draw at Chennai last week.

However, what stood out of the match was that a fast-bowler from the visiting side, giving up on his run up, bowling off-spinners, and getting wickets!

This happened when Aussie paceman, Gurinder Sandhu, came on to exhibit his spinning skills.

Having gone wicket-less in his first six overs of the second innings, the 22-year-old’s decision proved worthy after he trapped two of the hosts’ prime batsmen – Abhinav Mukund and Cheteshwar Pujara – with his blazing off-breaks.

Astonishing stuff, isn’t it?