India all-rounder Washington Sundar spoke about India’s impressive fight at the MCG during the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Sundar himself was part of that fight and made a vital contribution to the system.
While Sundar played the supporting role, Nitish Kumar Reddy was the star of the show with some brilliant batting under pressure. The youngster arrived in a difficult period but made sure to lead his team over the line with a mature batting display.
India were in a difficult position and were in danger of not getting past the follow-on target when Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed. However, Reddy and Sundar showed great maturity and formed a great partnership to move the Men in Blue to a better position at the end of today’s match.
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Washington Sundar talks about India’s response
After stumps on the third day, Washington Sundar was sent to attend the press conference on behalf of India. The all-rounder was asked about the response from India’s lower order. He revealed the advice of the technical staff to fight until the last minute in any situation.
Sundar also spoke about playing on such a big occasion at a historic ground and was determined to do anything that would take his team to a comfortable state.
“One thing about Rohit (Sharma) bhai, Joti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) and all the support staff, they constantly tell us to fight no matter what, and that is something that has been inculcated in us. No matter what situation we are in,” he added. “We will fight no matter what,” Sundar told reporters.
“Playing for India, especially at a stadium like the MCG on a big occasion like the Boxing Day Test against Australia, we will do whatever it takes to be in good stead,” he added.
Washington Sundar lauds Nitish Kumar Reddy
When asked about Nitish Kumar Reddy’s knock, Washington Sundar expressed his delight at the brilliant century which was his maiden Test hundred. He claimed that this strike will remain in the memory for a long time.
“Very happy for Nitish (Kumar Reddy). I got an unbelievable hundred, honestly. I’m sure this will be remembered forever,” Washington Sundar noted.
“Gaoti bhai and the entire support staff kept believing in me and telling me what I can do, especially in the Test format. This means a lot to me. This 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 good knock under pressure. It was also his maiden international century across formats. He made his debut in the series and has played all the matches since.
Reddy came in to bat when India lost the big wicket of Rishabh Pant. Australia were sensing there was a chance of knocking India out soon but Reddy had other ideas. He struck up a brief partnership with Ravindra Jadeja before the latter was sacked.
The excellent partnership takes India to a safer position
At this point, Washington Sundar joined Nitish Kumar Reddy in the middle. Both batsmen soaked up the pressure brilliantly and showed tremendous temperament to take the match forward.
While Reddy was more daring, Sundar was steady and bided his time. Sundar played a perfect role for Reddy as both batsmen began to frustrate the Australian bowlers. The partnership has continued to grow and MCG’s Indian unit has also raised its voice.
Both formed a brilliant 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket to move India to a safer position. Sundar was finally dismissed for a sick 50 off 162 balls by Nathan Lyon but Reddy persisted and completed a memorable hundred in a huge occasion.
