India national cricket team’s young all-rounder Washington Sundar shared his views on the proposed pitch at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati for the second Test match against South Africa.
Taking an indirect dig at the Indian batsmen who failed miserably in the first innings, Washington Sundar said the surface was not a ‘snake pit’ and it was a good pitch to bat on.
Obviously, the implementation didn’t go the way we wanted – Washington Sundar
Team India suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of South Africa in the opening match of the Test series at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and is now on the verge of facing a whitewash.
India were all out for 201 in 83.5 overs in their first innings in reply to South Africa’s 489 in the Guwahati Test, with Kuldeep Yadav the only player to play more than 100 balls in the innings.
India were mainly troubled by lanky fast bowler Marco Jansson, who took a sensational 6 wickets and thrashed the hosts’ batting unit. Simon Harmer got three wickets and Keshav Maharaj got one wicket.
After the end of the third day’s play, Washington said, “On any other day, the bowlers would have gone into the stands and we all would have applauded and clapped. That’s just the way it is. Sometimes you have to support their plans and their skill set as well.”
“Given the fact that he has shown a lot of proof and evidence in the past as well, I think it’s just about supporting his skill set. Obviously, the execution didn’t go the way we wanted,” he said.
It wasn’t uneventful at all – Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar refuted notions that the pitch was difficult to bat on, saying there was no uneven bounce on the surface. He said:
“It wasn’t a snake pit or whatever you call it. It was a very good wicket. It was a true wicket. On tracks like this, you don’t get a chance to bat too many days, especially in India. To be honest, it is a true wicket. If you spend time there, runs will be scored.”
“It was not uneventful at all. He is obviously the tallest and he gets sharp bounce off a good length. We have played such bowlers a lot. Just on another day, we would have batted better on the same balls and it would have seemed a very different scenario.”
I would say that I am most happy to bat wherever the team wants me to bat – Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar was promoted to bat at No. 3 in the Eden Gardens Test and was moved to No. 8 in the Guwahati Test. Talking about constantly moving up and down in order, Washington Sundar gave the morally correct answer by saying:
“I would say I’m happiest batting wherever the team wants me to bat. This way, it’s a lot more exciting. It’s a team game.”
“Not at all (when asked if it is bothersome). To be honest, I really want to be a cricketer who steps up whenever the team needs me and wherever the team wants me to bat and bowl. I have to be ready and work for the team. That’s the kind of mindset I am in.”
“No matter what position I’m in, it’s very exciting for me. I also get to play different roles. I don’t think many get that opportunity. So, it’s just exciting,” his answer reflected a time when one would stick to whatever role the team offered.
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