Washington Sundar deserved a century: Sunil Gavaskar

Former Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar was extremely impressed with the young all-rounder Washington Sundar. Gavaskar expressed his views when Sundar came up with another fighting knock. The youngster played an unbeaten knock of 85 to help India get out of big trouble in the 1st Test against England in Chennai. According to Gavaskar, Sundar showed excellent application against spin and pace. 

Sunil Gavaskar said he was highly impressed not just by the shots that Sundar played but his ability to defend well against James Anderson, Jofra Archer, and other England spinners. Gavaskar also highlighted that Sundar was at ease when defending off the front and back foot against the turn on Day 3 at Chepauk.

Sundar, who made an unlikely debut in India's historic win at the Gabba, had shown courage and determination. He helped the team recover from 186 for six by stitching a 124-run partnership with Shardul Thakur. The all-rounder scored 62 runs and followed up with a quickfire 22 in the historic 336-run chase in Brisbane.

The partnership of Sundar and R Ashwin got India back in the game: Gavaskar

Sundar was again at his best in his first home Test as he forged a crucial 80-run partnership for the 7th wicket with R Ashwin. However, he missed out on his maiden Test hundred by 15 runs as he ran out of partners before India were bundled out for 337. His brilliant effort made sure that the hosts got England's first-inning lead down to 241. 

Earlier on Sunday, team India's top-order batsmen Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, and Virat Kohli were below their level. After their dismissal, Rishabh Pant and Cheteshwar Pujara forged a 119-run stand to get the team out of trouble. 

England started their 2nd innings with a lead of 241 runs but suffered a blow on the first ball as R Ashwin dismissed Rory Burns for a golden duck. Joe Root was the top performer for the visitors as he scored 40 runs off 32 deliveries.

Ashwin was on fire for India scalping six wickets. This included the dismissals of Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Dom Bess, Jofra Archer, and James Anderson.

Shahbaz Nadeem picked up two wickets, while Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah took a wicket each. India now has a massive task on hand as they need to chase 420 runs. The hosts will be aiming to put in a good start and not lose a lot of wickets.

READ MORE Cricket articles here!