How Washington Sundar ‘forgot’ T20s to succeed in England Test series

CHENNAI: India allrounder Washington Sundar had to wait nearly four-and-a-half years to notch up his maiden Test century.It could not have come at a better time for the 25-year-old, who made a terrific Test debut in India’s famous Brisbane win in 2021 but did not follow it up with the bat. Against England in Manchester on Sunday, Washington brought his best game to the park as he showed that he can be relied upon in the middle-order.The strong signs of improvement, including the unbeaten 101 in the drawn fourth Test, are there for everyone to see, thanks to a “shift in Washington’s mindset”. M Senthilnathan, coach of TNCA first-division team Globe Trotters SC and Washington’s mentor at the MRF Pace Foundation, said that the southpaw worked on his mental game ahead of the series.“After his IPL stint with Gujarat Titans, I told Washi: ‘T20s are over.’ I asked him to forget about the T20 format and change his mindset. In T20s, there is more emphasis on power hitting than technique, so he had to focus more on his technique going into the England series. We just had to bring him back to Test-cricket mode,” Senthilnathan, also the new Tamil Nadu men’s team coach, told TOI.“It is important to leave the ball when required; there is no need to hit every ball, like in T20 cricket. I tried to put these basic things into his mind,” added Senthilnathan.During his stellar unbroken union with fellow centurion Ravindra Jadeja on the fifth day, Washington showed stomach for a fight and was hardly troubled by the English bowling attack. Sticking to his strengths and controlling his emotions in key moments helped Washington stay at his best, according to Senthilnathan.“Washi is a very smart and level-headed batter. He can leave the ball when he wants… he can defend when he wants. He can flick the ball to mid-wicket, drive straight down the ground and over extra cover. He also has the height to punch the ball off the back foot. He just played to his strengths,” said Senthilnathan.“Washi also controlled himself well. For example, one loses temperament when the ball takes the outside edge; it is natural. You get tempted to do something. But he did not do that. If he continues to play the same way, he will be successful.”Praised by legendary Australian Glenn McGrath – MRF Pace Foundation director – as a “talented red-ball batter with enough time to play the fast bowlers”, Washington now has the task of backing up his superb knock with consistency.