Manav Suthar is hoping to build on an encouraging debut for Warwickshire County Cricket Club when he concludes his short-term deal with the Club against Somerset in the Rothesay County Championship this week.
The Bears travel to the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton looking to remain in title contention, with the side currently sitting fourth in the Division One table, but just five points behind Essex who occupy top spot.
Suthar signed for the Bears on a two-game deal at the start of the month, and made an instant impact, taking four wickets in last week’s entertaining draw with Yorkshire, while adding scores of 33 and 37 with the bat.
It’s been a whirlwind month for the left arm finger spinning all-rounder, with the 23-year-old having made his Test debut for India against Afghanistan the week before his arrival in the West Midlands.
After making what he describes as a ‘dream come true’ debut for India, where he took match figures of seven for 62, Suthar is embracing the opportunity to play cricket for the Bears.
“It’s been a very good experience,” he said. “Everyone is so supportive – the players, coaching staff and support staff. Everyone has been so good to me.
“I’m so happy to play for Warwickshire and it’s been an amazing experience so far.
“It’s totally different to India for sure. It’s interesting finding out how the players prepare mentally and how they operate during games. Even with my batting, learning how you can bat in seaming conditions. It’s a very good learning experience.”
Prior to his Test debut, Suthar had impressed in First Class cricket in his home country, taking 129 wickets in 29 First-Class matches.
Suthar was impressed with the team in his first four-day outing for the Club, as they batted out the final day to secure a draw, and he’s fully committed to helping the team in any way possible in Taunton.
“The way we played last week across the last two days was good, in bowling, batting and fielding, so as a collective, it was good to see,” he added.
“I’m looking to do whatever I can for the team, in whatever situation. I’ll give everything. I just want to help the team where I can.”
Warwickshire take on Somerset at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton this week, with play starting at 11:00am on Friday 19 June.