NEW DELHI: India’s all-rounder Washington Sundar has expressed optimism about his team’s chances despite finding themselves in a challenging position at the end of the second day of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Sundar, who is expected to play a crucial role with the bat at number eight, acknowledged the team’s reliance on him to contribute across all facets of the game. “Isn’t it amazing that the team wants me to do really well in all three aspects of the game? That’s a great opportunity for me,” Sundar said, reflecting his positive mindset.
India ended the day at 164 for 5, with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease. Earlier, a promising 102-run stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli had stabilized the innings, but both were dismissed in quick succession, triggering a collapse.
Sundar, however, refused to see the situation as dire. “We were in a great position to get big runs, but we will still come back and continue to fight tomorrow morning. The energy is very good in the dressing room, we are all positive. There’s a long time in the game – still three days, lots of overs to play. It’s about us trying to fight really hard and get things done for the team.”
Speaking about the pitch, Sundar noted its improved behavior after a softer first day. “It was a little soft yesterday because the sun didn’t come out the whole day. The wicket also started to play a lot better today, and we batted really well. I guess tomorrow and the day after, it will be a good surface to bat on. The wicket won’t change much, so it will be an exciting couple of days.”
India will look to Sundar and the remaining batters to mount a strong response and keep their hopes alive against a formidable Australian attack.