Graeme Swann Sympathizes With Washington Sundar As He Narrowly Misses Out On A Maiden Test Hundred

Former England spinner Graeme Swann was amongst the ones feeling for Washington Sundar as the 21-year old missed out on a well-deserved century on day three of the second Test against England in Ahmedabad. The left-handed batsman batted at number six and shared a century stand with Rishabh Pant and pushed the hosts’ lead past 160. Graeme Swann expressed his sadness for Sundar as the tailenders left him stranded.

Washington Sundar, who added 97 runs with Axar Patel, watched the latter get run-out at the non-striker’s end. At that time, the southpaw needed only four runs to reach his maiden Test hundred. Nevertheless, the next two batsmen in Mohammed Siraj and Ishant Sharma perished to Ben Stokes in the same over without troubling the scorers. It denied Sundar a well-deserved century; however, he did an outstanding job.

Washington Sundar and Rishabh Pant undeniably saved India in the fourth Test as they once were 153-6 after bowling out England for 205 in the first innings. But the partnership of 113 between Sundar and Pant brought them back in the match and helped them put one foot in the ICC World Test Championship’s final. Axar Patel and Sundar piled the misery on England further.

He batted so well: Graeme Swann

Graeme Swann underlined that it was old school cricket when the tailenders could not bat at all as Washington Sundar was left high and dry. The 41-year old claimed that the morning session was England’s massive opportunity to take the remaining three wickets as quickly as possible to limit the lead. However, Swann stated that Sundar batted well enough to deny the visitors that. He lauded the 21-year old for batting well and backs him to get to three figures in Tests at some point.

“It was like old school – no. 10 and 11 – back in 25-30 years ago when they could not bat at all. They really left him high and dry, you felt for him. He batted so well. Today, especially, this morning. It was a massive opportunity for England to take those three wickets early and restrict India’s lead. But Washington Sundar was having none of it, and he helped India extend that lead up to 160. So, he batted really well, 96 not out. He will undoubtedly get to three figures in Test cricket at some point, because he looks like a really well player,” Swann told Star Sports.

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