India promoted all-rounder Washington Sundar from No.8 to No.5 in the fourth innings of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. Here's why they might have done so.
India promote Washington Sundar to No.5 at Old Trafford
India began day five of the Test on 174-2, trailing by 137 runs, as KL Rahul and Shubman Gill looked to carry on after batting out two wicketless sessions on day four.
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But in the eighth over of the day, the visitors were rocked as England skipper Ben Stokes got one to jag back in off the surface and trap Rahul plumb in front, for 90. At 188-3, it was Washington Sundar who walked out at No.5, to join Gill.
Has Washington Sundar batted at No.5 before?
Before this match, Sundar had spent most of his Test career at No.8, batting 11 times at that position, with six and three innings at No.7 and No.9 respectively. The highest position he had occupied before this was No.6, against New Zealand in Pune last year.
Sundar does have experience batting in the top order, though. In domestic cricket, he began his career as an opener for Tamil Nadu, before gradually moving down the order. He has batted eight times at the top, four times at No.3, once at No.4 and four times at No.5.
Why did India promote Washington Sundar?
The primary factor for the promotion was the injury to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, India's regular No.5. On day four, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that Pant would bat, but his fractured foot means he was always more likely to come out only if required towards the end of the innings.
That could have seen India's batting order below Pant all shift up one spot, but Sundar, who batted at No.8 after Shardul Thakur in the first innings, was likely preferred here for two reasons. One, it would mean Ravindra Jadeja could keep his regular spot at No.6, and two, Sundar's first-class experience batting further up made him a solid choice to move up.
Read more: Stuart Broad criticises India for 'bizarre' holding back of Washington Sundar
Rahul's wicket also fell in the 71st over, with the second new ball imminent. Sundar's experience playing against the new ball would be further reason to push him above Jadeja. India are also largely batting for a draw at this point in the match, and so far Sundar's Test batting career has seen more attritional knocks than expansive ones, with a career strike rate under 40.
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