Following a gripping fourth day of the Test match at Lord's, India faces a challenging chase of 193 runs, with the series poised at 1-1. Despite a late-day collapse that saw India finish at 58 for 4, all-rounder Washington Sundar exuded confidence in the team's ability to secure a victory.
Sundar's own performance with the ball was instrumental in putting India in a potentially winning position. He spearheaded the bowling attack, claiming four crucial wickets for just 22 runs, dismantling England's middle order and restricting them to 192 in their second innings. His victims included key English batsmen such as Joe Root, Jamie Smith, and captain Ben Stokes. Notably, Sundar clean bowled all four of his victims, a rare feat that highlighted his accuracy and effectiveness on a pitch offering assistance to both pace and spin.
"This is definitely one of the best days with the ball for me," Sundar stated in the post-day press conference. "To perform like this at Lord's is something I'll always remember". He emphasized the importance of executing clear plans and contributing to the team in different phases of the game. He further added, "Had some solid plans coming into this Test match and really wanted to execute them both in the first and second innings. Wanted to contribute to the team in different passages of play. Very heartening how the day turned out for both me and the team".
Sundar also acknowledged the significance of dismissing Jamie Smith, who had been a troublesome presence for India in the preceding Tests. "The Smith wicket was the pick of the lot—not only because it was a special delivery, but because it dismissed a batter who had troubled India in the last two Tests," Sundar explained. He credited hitting the right areas consistently as key to his success.
Despite Sundar's heroics with the ball, India's top order faltered in the final session of the day. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, captain Shubman Gill, and night-watchman Akash Deep all fell cheaply, leaving India in a precarious situation at the close of play. KL Rahul, who scored a century in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 33, offering a glimmer of hope for the final day.
Sundar, however, remains optimistic about India's chances, citing the depth in the batting lineup. With Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Nitish Kumar Reddy still to come, he believes India has the batting firepower to chase down the remaining runs. "Solid batters in the dressing room. Winning a Test at Lord's would be amazing," Sundar told reporters.
Looking ahead to the final day, Sundar expressed excitement and confidence in the team's ability to win. "We've got some solid batsmen in the dressing room, and yeah, it's exciting in every way," he said. He also highlighted the importance of staying positive and focusing on the task at hand.
Sundar's performance has not only boosted his own confidence but also reinforced his belief in his ability to perform for the team in diverse conditions. His versatility as an all-rounder provides valuable balance to the Indian team, making him a crucial asset in their quest for victory at Lord's.
As the teams prepare for a thrilling final day, Sundar's masterclass of spin and his unwavering confidence have instilled a sense of hope in the Indian camp and among fans worldwide. The stage is set for a captivating conclusion to the Test match at Lord's, with India aiming to overcome the odds and secure a memorable win.
