IND vs ENG, 4th Test: Karthik, Ponting, Shastri fume at India for making a blunder late on day 1
The commentators were left scratching their heads over India’s decision to send Shardul Thakur ahead of Washington Sundar late on day 1 of the fourth Test match at Old Trafford. After Sai Sudharsan lost his wicket in the 74th over, India sent Shardul Thakur ahead of Washington Sundar, who is a far more accomplished batter.
Following his arrival, former Indian batter Dinesh Karthik expressed his surprise over the decision while highlighting Sundar’s proficiency with the bat in the series.
"I was extremely surprised. Washington has shown real composure with the bat in this series and before. He's someone who thrives with recognised batters around him. With Pant gone and Sai Sudharsan just dismissed, it was the perfect moment for Sundar to come in and steady things," Karthik said on air, moments after the unexpected call.
In his first Test, Sundar played a handy knock of 42 runs off 103 balls. He added a 144-run partnership with Gill, helping India reach past the 500-run mark. In the second innings, he remained unbeaten on 12. He showed great composure in the following Test match at Lord’s during his 23-run knock off 76 balls before getting out to Archer.
Ricky Ponting shed light on the batting averages of both Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar. Drawing comparisons between the two, here’s what the legendary Australian skipper said on India’s move.
"Just looking at the numbers, I mean, Washington averages nearly 39 in Test cricket, and Shardul is down at 17. And he's not being sent out. He's not a nightwatchman-there's still 40 minutes of play here, and a new ball around the corner," said Ricky Ponting, who was also in the commentary box.
Shardul Thakur was dismissed pretty cheaply in the first Test: Ravi Shastri
Before being sidelined for the second and third Tests, Shardul Thakur played in the first Test of the series in Headingley. The Indian all-rounder failed to make an impact, getting out on scores of 1 and 4. Ravi Shastri also weighed in, calling it a ‘strange’ decision by the Indian team.
"All the more reason [to send Sundar ahead of Shardul]. He played in the first Test match, was dismissed pretty cheaply, a couple of loose shots," said Ravi Shastri.
Shardul Thakur, though, managed to remain unscathed at stumps on day 1. Shardul and Jadeja ensured India didn't lose more than four wickets in the day, ending their innings on the score of 264. Shardul Thakur and Jadeja were unbeaten on 19 (36) and 19 (37), respectively, at stumps.
