 "Sai Sudharsan relished his return to Test cricket and the challenge put forward by English bowlers. Image: Reuters")
Sai Sudharsan certainly enjoyed a successful comeback to the Indian Test team as he scored 61 on Day 1 of the fourth Test against England at Manchester on Wednesday. Sudharsan was picked in the team in place of Karun Nair after being dropped after the first Test following scores of 0 and 30.
On his return, the 23-year-old Sudharsan was watchful and brought up a gritty fifty on a slow-moving day but eventually perished after a miscued pull shot off Ben Stokes. The catch was taken by Brydon Carse at short leg.
Sudharsan speaks on his return, Pant injury
While Sudharsan would have wanted a three-figure score, he relished the innings, being proud of his fighting spirit.
“It was actually a really enjoyable experience, to be honest,” said Sudharsan. “Because one of the best bowlers in the country is steaming in and trying to hit you hard. And you being there and giving your best for the team. That’s one of the best feelings you can have.
“Playing against England on their home soil, you have to be ready for that aggressive nature. I enjoyed it.”
The No.3 batter also opened up on Rishabh Pant’s injury after the wicketkeeper-batter was forced to retire hurt after being hit on his right foot by a Chris Woakes delivery. Pant missed the fuller ball while trying to play a reverse sweep, leading to a nasty right foot injury.
He was later taken for scans, with BCCI yet to communicate the seriousness of the injury.
“He was in a lot of pain,” said Sudharsan, who was batting at the non-striker’s end. “They’ve gone for scans. We’ll get to know overnight, probably get the information tomorrow.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsEngland all-rounder Liam Dawson, who made a return to Test cricket after eight years and picked the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal, feels Pant is done for the game due to the injury.
“I hope he’s all right,” Dawson said. “He’s obviously a very good player. I probably can’t see him taking much more part in this game.”
Pant had missed the majority of wicket-keeping in the Lord’s Test after suffering a finger injury while collecting a wide delivery on the leg side. He is the second-highest run-scorer in the series and the latest injury setback to Pant is a major blow to India.