After being called up for the fourth Test match in Manchester, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar offered his thoughts on Sai Sudharsan‘s performance. On Day 1 at the Old Trafford, the youthful batsman made an impression with a cool half-century, making 61 runs off 151 balls before being removed by England skipper Ben Stokes.
As wickets continued to fall from the other end, Manjrekar noted that Sudharsan looked anxious early in his innings but eventually calmed down, methodically planning his play and displaying patience to amass a sizable score at Old Trafford. Karun Nair replaced Sudharsan, who had previously played in the first Test match at Headingley, Leeds, after he was benched for the second game.
He first appeared anxious, which was to be expected given that he had been dropped during the first Test. Your confidence is damaged by that kind of omission. But he regained his calm as the innings went on. Even though he has established himself in T20 cricket, his scoring style represents the foundations required in Test cricket, according to Manjrekar on JioHotstar. He plays a well-organised game.
Manjrekar: Sudharsan has the potential to have a lengthy Test career.
The former cricket player turned broadcaster acknowledged that it was difficult to bat at No. 3 in the circumstances. He went on to say that Sudharsan will concentrate on being ready for a lengthy and reliable Test career rather than getting swept up in one strong showing.
After being asked to bat first, it was difficult to bat at number three in these conditions. He has some well-earned runs, but more significantly, he appears like a grounded, academic type who works hard to prepare and isn’t easily swayed by a successful appearance. The former cricket player added, “That’s the type of player who builds a long Test career.”
India concluded the first day of the fourth Test in Manchester with a score of 264 for 4. Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur were undefeated at the crease, while Yashasvi Jaiswal maintained his excellent form with a strong 58. Stokes took two wickets on the first day, leading the bowling effort for England.
However, India suffered a significant blow when wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant broke his right foot on a Chris Woakes ball, excluding him from the current Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.