Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has criticized Team India’s decisions on Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, focusing particularly on the delayed use of Washington Sundar with the ball. Sundar was finally introduced in the 69th over, at a time when England were cruising at 305/2. Despite the delay, he made an immediate impact by dismissing Ollie Pope (71) and Harry Brook (3).
In his column for The Daily Mail, Hussain expressed surprise over Shubman Gill’s delay in bringing Sundar into the attack, especially after the spinner’s standout performance in the Lord’s Test, where he picked up a four-wicket haul.
“It was astonishing. You could tell he was full of confidence by the way he spoke so boldly about winning at Lord’s, after taking four wickets, and I haven’t seen a spin bowler in England get such beautiful drift, even against the wind,” Hussain said.
Hussain further criticized India’s lack of urgency in deploying Sundar earlier, particularly with England piling on the runs and the visitors managing just two wickets until that point.
“They completely overlooked bowling Washington Sundar… not turning to him until the 69th over when England were 305 for two. He made an impact the moment he was introduced… leaving you wondering: where’s he been?” he added.
He also questioned India’s bowling tactics against Joe Root, who punished the visitors with a brilliant 150-run knock, suggesting that the bowlers missed a trick by not going short on a pitch known for its bounce.
“The way India bowled to Joe Root was baffling too. On the quickest, bounciest pitch in the country historically, he received just two bouncers up until lunch on day three,” he concluded.
At stumps on Day 3, England lead by 186 runs and remain in firm control of the Test.
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