Washington Sundar defends Indian batsmen ploy on turning tracks in Sri Lanka, promises changed outcome in the final ODI
Published - 07 Aug 2024, 11:34 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:17 AM
All-rounder Washington Sundar has defended the Indian batters amid their struggles against the Sri Lankan spinners in the ongoing three-match ODI series.
Washington Sundar stated that the Indian batters need to find a way to counter the Sri Lankan spin attack in the third and final match of the ODI series.
Sri Lanka made a strong comeback in the ODIs after suffering a whitewash in the T20I series. The hosts troubled the Indian batters with their spin attack in the middle overs.
The Lankan spinners took nine wickets during the series opener. The Indian team collapsed from 75-0 to 230 all out while chasing 231.
In the second ODI match, Team India collapsed from 116-1 to 208 all out in a chase of 241. Leg spinner Jeffrey Vandersay dismantled the Indian batting lineup with a six-wicket haul, and Charith Asalanka secured three wickets.
The visiting team has heavily relied on skipper Rohit Sharma so far in the ODI series.
We're Quality Players Of Spin - Washington Sundar
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the game, Washington Sundar expressed confidence in India's batters' ability to handle spin in the upcoming match.
He highlighted their experience with similar pitches in domestic and international cricket. Sundar added that the players need to adapt to the conditions.
"We're quality players of spin. We've always played on these kinds of pitches, even at home, even in Test matches. In domestic cricket, we play a lot of games on such wickets. A lot of our players have done really well, especially in the middle order, especially batting against spin," Sundar said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.
"It's just a matter of finding a way in their own individual self and trying to get the job done. Everyone knows it's a challenging wicket. The Indian team has always been one where everyone puts their hands up, especially when the challenge arises," Washington Sundar added.
Washington Sundar was named Player of the Match for his exceptional all-round performance in the third T20I, where India won in a Super Over to complete a 3-0 series win.
He also took 3 wickets for 30 runs in the second ODI but did not contribute with the bat in both 50-over matches in the ongoing series.
India To Face Sri Lanka In Third ODI On August 7
Rohit Sharma is the leading run-getter in the ongoing ODI series between India and Sri Lanka. Sharma has scored 122 runs at an average of 61 and an outstanding strike rate of 134.07, including two half-centuries.
Axar Patel has amassed 77 runs in two matches at an average of 38.50 and a strike rate of 76.24.
The third and final match between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, August 7.
The visiting team hopes to end the series on a winning note, while the home team wants to secure the series victory.
