Washington Sundar became the latest entrant to score a maiden Test century on English soil
The fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between England and India ended on a dramatic note as Ravindra Jadeja and Washington scored a century each to draw the game. The incident that occurred towards the end of the game between Ben Stokes and Jadeja became a highly controversial topic. However, Sundar’s maiden century on English soil was a cherry on top of the draw.
Over the decades, several Indian players have made their maiden Test century in England, and Sundar became a new entrant. This occasion presents us with the opportunity to examine players who have achieved the same in the 21st century.
India’s charismatic wicketkeeper batter made his Test debut at Trent Bridge in 2018. Merely two games old, in the third game played at the Oval, Pant scored his maiden Test century of his career. The English bowlers were left in disbelief as the youngster ploughed through their bowling lineup when seven Indian players had walked back to the pavilion with single digits. Pant had scored 114 runs in 146 balls at a strike rate of 78.08, including 15 fours and four sixes. Unfortunately, despite the century, India lost the game by 118 runs.
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One of the finest bowlers in the history of cricket, Anil Kumble, doesn’t need a lengthy introduction. As a tailender, Kumble used to score crucial runs on several occasions. However, on one particular occasion, he took his batting a notch higher. During the third test of India’s 2007 tour in England, the Oval witnessed an Indian batter ripping through the English bowlers. Despite being a bowler, Kumble, too, joined the party, scoring his one and only career century. Anil registered 110 runs in 193 balls, hitting 16 fours and one six at a strike rate of 56.99. The game ended in a draw between India and England.
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Ajit Agarkar was primarily an ODI bowler, having played 192 games, with a brief stint in Tests, comprising only 26 matches. However, his one and only career century was achieved in a test similar to Kumble's. During India’s 2002 tour in England, India’s batting lineup struggled in both innings. However, Ajit Agarkar put up a gallant fight in the second innings, scoring 109 and staying not out. He spent 182 minutes in the crease, facing 120 deliveries and hitting nine at a strike rate of 61.66. Despite his heroic effort, India lost the match by a massive margin of 170 runs.
The English conditions have always proved to be critical for India, and not many records are in India’s favour. Therefore, Washington Sundar’s century was truly spectacular, placing him among an elite list. As Indian cricket enthusiasts, we certainly hope his form remains intact, as the fifth and final match is crucial for India. After all, only a win can help India draw the series, and all hands on deck must be in full action.
