ENG vs IND [WATCH]: Washington Sundar cleans up Jamie Smith with a ripper on Day 4 of Lord’s Test

Day 4 of the third Test between England and India at Lord’s witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum as Washington Sundar produced a spellbinding performance, claiming two crucial wickets in quick succession. The highlight of the day came when Sundar delivered a peach to clean up Jamie Smith, sending shockwaves through the English camp and putting India firmly in the driver’s seat.

Washington Sundar’s double strike turns the tide in India’s favour

After a tense opening session, England appeared to be steadying their second innings, with Joe Root and Ben Stokes at the crease. However, Sundar’s introduction into the attack changed the complexion of the match:

First, Sundar dismissed Root, who had been England’s anchor, with a ball that drifted in and snuck past Root’s bat to rattle the leg stump. Root, who scored a gritty 40, was left stunned as the partnership with Stokes was broken.

Moments later, Jamie Smith fell victim to Sundar’s guile. The delivery skidded through with variable bounce, beating Smith all ends up and crashing into the stumps. Smith’s departure for just 8 runs left England reeling at 164/6, with India seizing control of the contest.

The magic ball: Here’s how Washington Sundar dismissed Jamie Smith

The dismissal of Smith was a textbook example of off-spin bowling on a deteriorating Lord’s pitch. Sundar, bowling from around the wicket, delivered a ball that held its line and skidded off the surface. Smith, expecting turn, played down the wrong line and was comprehensively bowled. The Indian fielders erupted in celebration, recognizing the significance of the breakthrough.

Here’s the video:

Also WATCH: Washington Sundar bowls Joe Root behind the legs to spark India comeback on Day 4 of Lord’s Test

With both teams having posted identical first-innings totals of 387, the third Test was finely balanced heading into Day 4. India’s bowlers, led by Sundar and supported by Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja maintained relentless pressure on the English batters.

England’s hopes rested on the experienced shoulders of Stokes and Chris Woakes, but Sundar’s double strike left the hosts with an uphill battle. The variable bounce and turn on offer at Lord’s made batting increasingly challenging, and India’s spinners exploited the conditions expertly.

Also WATCH: Akash Deep uproots Harry Brook’s middle stump to jolt England before lunch on Day 4 of Lord’s Test