India’s fourth-day turnaround at Lord’s was fuelled by a calm but lethal performance from Washington Sundar. In a match that had already seen plenty of ups and downs, it was the young off-spinner’s spell that helped the visitors wrest back control against England.
After a strong partnership between Joe Root and Ben Stokes had started frustrating the Indian side, Sundar brought back energy and decisiveness just when it was needed.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
India had already matched England's first-innings total of 387 and were looking to restrict them in the second innings.
With the pitch offering uneven bounce and little spin, it was Sundar’s smart bowling that ended the resistance and put India ahead going into the final phase of the Test match.
What did Irfan Pathan say about Sundar’s performance?
Irfan Pathan couldn’t hide his appreciation after watching Sundar’s four-wicket spell. Taking to social media platform X, the former all-rounder wrote:
“The value of Washington Sundar tum kya jano Ramesh babu. But management ko pata tha.”
The value of Washington sundar tum kya jano ramesh babu. But management ko pata tha.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 13, 2025
He applauded Sundar’s efforts and also highlighted the Indian team management’s role in trusting the youngster, despite not being a regular starter.
MORE: Which Indian batters have scored a Test century at Lord's Cricket Ground?
How did Sundar perform on Day 4 at Lord’s?
England looked steady at 87/4 when Root and Stokes began building a promising partnership. However, Sundar ended that stand by cleaning up Root for 40, who tried a sweep shot but exposed his leg stump.
Soon after, Jamie Smith misjudged the line and also lost his stumps. Post tea, Sundar went on to dismiss both Stokes and Shoaib Bashir finishing with outstanding figures of 4/22 in 12.1 overs. Notably, all four of Sundar’s dismissals were bowled.
Thanks to Sundar’s spell, England were bowled out for just 192 runs in their second innings. With both teams scoring 387 in the first innings, India were left with a 193-run target.