Washington Sundar Shines at Lord’s with Career-Best Spell as India Eyes Series Lead

Washington Sundar delivered one of his finest Test bowling performances on Sunday at Lord’s, helping India wrest control in the third Test against England with a crucial four-wicket haul. The 25-year-old off-spinner’s standout effort included the prized scalps of Joe Root and Ben Stokes, playing a vital role in restricting England to a modest total of 192.

“This is definitely one of the best days with the ball,” Washington said after the day’s play. “I wanted to contribute to the team quite differently in different passages of play. But yes, the way it turned out for me as well as the team is really good and very heartening for me.”

Bowling from the Nursery End, Washington mixed flight and control with guile, unsettling England’s middle order just as they looked to stabilize. The timing of his breakthroughs proved crucial, and silenced critics who had questioned his selection ahead of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

“There are different roles thrown at me in different passages of play,” he noted. “That’s where Test cricket gets a lot more exciting because you have to be a slightly different cricketer at least with your mindset on Day 5 as compared to the first. So I think it’s been going pretty well for me.”

His humility and team-first attitude stood out as he addressed selection debates. “This is a team game and as players, we have to do everything the team needs. At the end of the day, as long as the team wins, that’s all that matters.”

India, however, did suffer late stumbles with the bat, leaving the match finely balanced heading into the final day. England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick remained optimistic, stating the hosts would aim to claim the remaining six Indian wickets within the first hour of play on Monday.

Trescothick also praised the rousing atmosphere towards the end of the day’s play, saying, “The intensity in the final hour, with the crowd involved, gave our boys a real lift. We’re targeting a lead of more than 250 runs and will push hard in the morning.”

With both teams eyeing a decisive edge, the final day promises a gripping finish. For India, Washington’s confidence and form could yet prove decisive in tilting the match, and possibly the series, their way.