Former England batsman Mark Butcher feels Washington Sundar can “challenge or replace Ravindra Jadeja” in the Test playing XI after watching the all-rounder bat on Day 4 of the ongoing Chennai Test.
Sundar retained his place in the Indian squad for this series after an impressive show in Australia last month. Jadeja meanwhile, is out on the sidelines recovering from a finger injury.
Sundar remained unbeaten on 85 as India posted 337 in their first innings. His 138-ball knock was laced with 12 boundaries and 2 sixes.
“He’s a fabulous player. If we didn’t know that he’s coming down the order and No. 7 and that he’s picked mainly for his bowling, you’d say he is a top order player. Wonderful strokes to spin out of the rough, to Jack Leach. It became a trademark of the innings. He’s a pretty talented young man,” Butcher said during the lunch interval on Day 4 on the Star Sports Network.
Sundar, who made his Test debut against Australia in Brisbane last month, had played important knocks at the Gabba and once again showed his talent with the bat at the MA Chidambaram stadium on Monday.
“He (Sundar) didn’t allow Dom Bess to get away with any poor deliveries this morning. Dom Bess looked a little tired. That was one of the shots of the day, that beautiful on drive off Jofra Archer. Balance was perfect, the head was right over the ball. That was perfect.
“I mean, the guy can really play. People may just be hoping that he plays some part with the ball in hand. He was a bit disappointing in the first innings, but if he can get that going, then what an all-rounder you’ve got there. Somebody to challenge or replace Ravindra Jadeja,” Butcher said.
