India all-rounder Washington Sundar spoke about India's extraordinary fightback at the MCG during the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Sundar himself was a part of that struggle and made a vital contribution to the order.
While Sundar played the supporting role, Nitish Kumar Reddy he was the star of the show with a brilliant batting under pressure. The youngster has fallen on hard times but made sure to get his team over the line with a mature batting display.
India were in a spot of trouble and were in danger of not even clearing the chasing target when Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed. However, Reddy and Sundar showed great maturity and formed a terrific partnership to take the Men in Blue to a better position at the end of the day's play.
Washington Sundar talks about India's struggle
After the stumps on Day 3, Washington Sundar was sent to the press conference on behalf of India. The off-spinning all-rounder was asked about India's lower-order response. He revealed the advice from the staff to fight to the last moment in any kind of situation.
Sundar also spoke about playing on such a big occasion at the historic ground and was determined to do whatever it takes to take his team to a comfortable state.
“There is one thing about Rohit (Sharma) bhai, Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) and all the support staff, they keep telling us to fight no matter what and that's something that's been instilled in us. No matter what situation we are in, we will just fight no matter what,” Sundar told reporters.
“Playing for India, especially in a ground like the MCG, on an important occasion like the Boxing Day Test against Australia, we will do whatever it takes to be in a good position,” he added.
Washington Sundar greets Nitish Kumar Reddy
Asked about Nitish Kumar Reddy's knock, Washington Sundar expressed his happiness for the wonderful century that was his maiden Test hundred. He claimed that this fight will be remembered for a long time.
“Very happy for Nitish (Kumar Reddy). I have an unbelievable hundred, honestly. I am sure this will be remembered forever,” remarked Washington Sundar.
“Gauti bhai and the entire support staff kept believing in me and telling me what I am capable of, especially in the Test format. That means a lot to me. It makes me believe that I can do special things for the Indian team,” he added.
Nitish Kumar Reddy smashed his maiden Test hundred with a fine shot under pressure. It was also his first international century in all formats. He made his Test debut in this series and has played every game since.
Reddy came into bat when India had lost the big wicket of Rishabh Pant. Australia sensed an opportunity to eliminate India soon, but Reddy had other ideas. He formed a brief partnership with Ravindra Jadeja before the latter was dismissed.
A great partnership takes India to a more secure position
At this point, Washington Sundar joined Nitish Kumar Reddy in the middle. Both the batsmen soaked up the pressure brilliantly and showed tremendous temperament to take the game forward.
While Reddy was more enterprising, Sundar was steady and biding his time. Sundar played a perfect foil to Reddy as both batsmen began to frustrate the Australian bowlers. The partnership continued to grow and the Indian contingent at the MCG raised their voices.
The two put together a magnificent partnership of 127 runs for the eighth wicket to take India to a much safer position. Sundar was eventually dismissed for a patient 50 off 162 balls Nathan Lyon but Reddy went on and completed a memorable hundred on a huge occasion.