BGT 2024-25: "We'll still come back and continue to fight" Washington Sundar remains optimistic after India's collapse late on day 2 at MCG

Washington Sundar reflects on India’s collapse in the last half-hour on day 2 at the MCG.

After spending 122 overs in the field, India looked set to end day 2 of the MCG test on a positive note and to pile up a big first innings total on day 3. However, it all went to the bin as they lost three wickets for only six runs, slipping from 153/2 to 159/5.

From aiming to match Australia’s first innings total of 474, India will look to first avoid the follow-on on day 3, for which they need 111 more runs.

Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal stitched a brilliant third-wicket stand of 102 runs before the left-hander got run out for 82. Kohli, who had looked solid in innings of 36 runs and importantly was assured in leaving deliveries outside the off-stump, nicked one finally. Akash Deep, the nightwatchman, was also part of the collapse.

There’s a long time in the game as well: Washington Sundar

Following the day’s play, Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar, who replaced Shubman Gill in the playing XI for the test, spoke about India’s innings and their slide in the last few overs of the day.

“We looked like we were in a good position to get big runs, especially when Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal were batting,” Sundar said at the press conference at the end of the day’s play.

Sundar said that despite the team being in a precarious position, the dressing room environment is positive, pointing out that there’s a lot of time left in the game for India to make a comeback.

“We will still come back and continue to fight tomorrow morning. Energy is very good in the dressing room. We are all positive. There’s a long time in the game as well, there’s three days and a lot of overs to play. It will be just about us and trying to fight really hard and get things done for the team,” the off-spinner added.

Earlier, Steve Smith recorded a second consecutive test century, scoring 140 runs off 197 balls as Australia finished with 474.

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