Washington Sundar’s Century Secures Draw for India at Old Trafford

India showcased remarkable resilience in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, with a stellar performance from Washington Sundar. His maiden Test century and a robust partnership from the lower order enabled India to secure a hard-fought draw, despite England’s efforts to clinch victory.

This match highlighted the fighting spirit of the Indian team, which managed to hold off England’s attempts to dominate. During a discussion on ‘Match Centre Live’ on JioHotstar, experts Sanjay Manjrekar and Jonathan Trott analyzed key moments, including a controversial handshake incident and England’s unexpected frustration with the outcome.

Manjrekar noted the significance of the draw, stating, “It feels like a win.” He emphasized that India’s young batting lineup continues to impress, particularly highlighting Sundar’s performance. He pointed out that this match marked a shift in strategy for England, as captain Ben Stokes opted not to follow his usual approach of batting first after winning the toss. Manjrekar remarked, “This draw, without any weather intervention, came against India, which says a lot. India has forced Stokes to rethink his approach and leadership style.”

Trott added depth to the conversation, addressing the handshake controversy that arose when Stokes suggested an early end to the match. He explained, “From Ben Stokes’ perspective, no personal milestone comes ahead of the team’s goal. In this case, India’s goal was to secure a draw, and they achieved that.” Trott recognized Sundar’s desire to reach a century, saying, “For someone like Washington Sundar, giving up the chance to score a debut hundred is not easy.”

As the match progressed, England struggled to capitalize on their bowling opportunities. Trott expressed concern about their performance, stating, “England bowled 142 overs and managed just two wickets on a Day 4 and 5 pitch.” This inefficiency raised alarms, especially with the Ashes series approaching.

In reflecting on his achievement, Washington Sundar shared his emotions after scoring his first Test century. He stated, “It feels very special. Honestly, it’s difficult to put this feeling into words because a Test hundred is something truly unique.” He emphasized the team’s focus on fighting through the day and their determination to play to the merit of the ball.

Looking ahead, Sundar’s performance has implications for India’s team balance. Manjrekar noted the emergence of Sundar as a genuine all-rounder, suggesting that he could become a key player in future matches. “You’ve got to look at him as a proper all-rounder now,” Manjrekar explained, highlighting Sundar’s ability to contribute both with the bat and ball.

As the team prepares for the final Test, Sundar’s impressive showing places India in a stronger position. With an eye on future selections, the management may consider integrating Kuldeep Yadav into the lineup, especially given Sundar’s current form.

The fourth Test at Old Trafford proved to be a pivotal moment for both teams, as India continues to build momentum and confidence in their abilities. The upcoming matches promise to be exciting, with both teams eager to assert their dominance.