Follow Us52.7% of India’s all Test runs in Guwahati came via the blade of two batters – Yashasvi Jaiswal and Washington Sundar – on November 24 (Monday). While Jaiswal top-scored for the Men in Blue with a 97-ball 58, it was Washington’s lower-order vigil that stood out on a day when India were bowled out for just 201.
After batting at No.3 in the Kolkata Test, the left-hander was demoted to No.8 in this batting unit, where he stood the test of time, scoring a patient 48 off 92 balls, including having a 72-run partnership alongside Kuldeep Yadav.
Following the third day’s play, the all-rounder broke the silence, stating that the wicket in Guwahati was true, and there weren’t any demons on it.
“It wasn't a snake pit or whatever you may call it. It was a very good wicket. It was a true wicket… If you spend time there, runs are there for the taking. It wasn't uneven at all. He [Jansen] is obviously the tallest going around and he gets that bit of a sharp bounce off good length,” Washington said in the post-match press conference.
However, there was a lot of spotlight on the Indian middle-order, who struggled to make an impact in the clash, with scores of 15, 0, 7 & 6, as India went from 95/1 to 119/6 in no time. Most of the dismissal went under the scanner, but Washington reckoned that the plan was to put pressure back on the opponents.
“On another day, the bowlers would have gone into the stands and all of us would have appreciated and clapped. That's how it is. Sometimes you just got to back their plans and their skill sets as well,” he said.
“Given the fact that they have shown a lot of proof and evidence in the past as well. I think it is just about them backing their skill sets. Obviously, execution didn't go the way we wanted.”
Washington, however, insisted that he was more than happy to bat wherever the team needed him, playing all around in this Indian batting unit.
“I would say I am the happiest to bat wherever the team wants me to bat… This is a team game,” he concluded.
South Africa have a strong hold on the Guwahati Test, leading by 314 runs at the end of the third day’s play, with the series 1-0 in the visitors’ favour.