Washington Sundar can be a genuine test all-rounder for India in future, feels Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri feels Washington Sundar should have played more tests by now.

Former Indian cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri has lauded spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar ahead of the fourth test between England Cricket Team and Indian Cricket Team. The fourth test between both the sides will take place at Old Trafford, Manchester from July 23.

Sundar was not part of the opening game at Headingley, Leeds. However, he was added to the visitors’ playing XI for the second and third test at Edgbaston and the Lord’s. Sundar has so far picked five wickets and scored 77 runs with the bat in the ongoing series.

Notably, Sundar also clinched a wonderful four-wicket haul in second innings of the Lord’s test and helped India bowl out England for 192 runs. He has played 11 tests in his career so far.

I always loved Washington Sundar- Ravi Shastri

While speaking on The ICC Review, former Indian coach Shastri said that Sundar can be a genuine all-rounder for India in future in test cricket. He also feels that Sundar should have played more test matches till now.

“I always loved Washington. When I saw him on day one, I said, ‘He’s the man.’ He can be a genuine all-rounder for many, many years for India. He out-bowled some of the senior spinners. He bowled that well and he can bat,” he said.

“He again is just 25 years of age. I think he should have played a lot more test cricket. Can be lethal in India on tracks where the ball is turning, as New Zealand found out when they played against India,” he added.

Across 11 tests, Sundar has scored 545 runs at an average of 38.92 with four half-centuries. With the ball, he has picked 30 wickets at an average of 26.16, including a seven-wicket haul in an innings.

Meanwhile, England have announced their playing XI for the fourth test. Liam Dawson has been added to the playing XI while the rest of the XI remain the same. England lead the five-match test series 2-1.

On the other hand, the visitors have been dealt with some injury concerns as Arshdeep Singh is ruled out of the Manchester test due to a thumb injury, while Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of remainder of the series with a knee injury. The visitors have brought in Anshul Kamboj as replacement for the last two games of the series, which will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester and The Oval in London.

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