Heading into Day 5 of the third Test at Lord’s, India were staring at a stiff target of 193 on a lively surface, having already lost four wickets for just 58. While the situation looked precarious, all-rounder Washington Sundar exuded supreme confidence, boldly claiming during a chat with Sky Sports, “Definitely India winning tomorrow, probably in the first session.”
However, things didn’t pan out as Sundar predicted. India, despite Ravindra Jadeja’s gritty unbeaten 61, fell short by 22 runs, handing England a 2-1 lead in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series. Unsurprisingly, Sundar’s premature proclamation sparked mixed reactions—some were critical, while others were sympathetic.
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Speaking on BBC, England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler admitted that Sundar’s words might have served as unexpected fuel for England’s final-day fire. “I heard it and thought, ‘Did he say that?’ I wondered if it was a slip-up, maybe he meant to say ‘hopefully we’ll win’,” said Buttler.
Why did he say this though?! 🙈
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“But it came across as so confident—‘Yeah, we’re going to win.’ You almost didn’t need a team talk in the England dressing room. Just play that clip, and that’s enough to get the team going,” Jos Buttler added.
Sundar’s own performance didn’t back up his bold words—he was dismissed for a four-ball duck by Jofra Archer, who didn’t miss the chance to send him off with a fierce celebration.
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Former England pacer Stuart Broad offered a slightly more understanding take. “We’ve all been there. You say something after a long day, your head’s scrambled, and then think later, ‘Did I really say that?’” Broad chuckled.
Buttler responded with a grin, “That’s not aged well.” The series now moves to Manchester, where the fourth Test begins on July 23. India will look to bounce back from the Lord’s heartbreak and level the series.
