Washington Sundar is having a great series. In the third Test against England, he took four wickets in the second innings, which started England’s batting collapse. In the fourth Test, after being moved up to No. 5 in the batting order, he scored his first Test century while under pressure to save the Test.
After the match, the 25-year-old was asked a tough question, which he answered calmly. Washington wasn’t given the ball for long stretches when England was batting, during which they scored over 300 runs. Gill trusted him after lunch on Day 3, and Washington quickly took the wickets of Ollie Pope and Harry Brook in successive overs.
Washington was asked if captain Shubman Gill had forgotten that he could bowl in the first innings. He responded coolly to Sky Sports Cricket, Did your captain forget that you can bowl in the first innings? Broad advised Washington, You need to work on your tips and hints out there. ‘I’m loose, I’m ready to go.
Washington replied, I’m usually around the square, so I’m sure I cross him now and then. But I will do whatever the team needs.
Washington then made a bigger impression with the bat. He was moved up to No. 5 after Rishabh Pant’s toe fracture and showed his batting skills.
He gave captain Gill great support for a long time, running hard between the wickets and dealing with the second new ball. Washington eventually hit nine boundaries and a six on his way to his first Test century (101*).
Washington’s effort was key to India saving the fourth Test and keeping their hopes of drawing the series alive.
This Test hundred feels special, Washington told Cheteshwar Pujara on JioHotstar.
Washington, who began his junior cricket career as a specialist batter, said, I just wanted to fight for an entire day, and that’s what the coach (Gambhir) told me. He was happy to have the chance to bat in the top five.
Washington said, I was already going to bat at No. 5. I was padded up for two sessions. I was very happy that I got that chance. If I could bat higher up the order in the future, it would be great.