Just when it looked like England were tightening their grip on Day 3 of the Manchester Test, Washington Sundar provided India a much-needed spark with two wickets in quick succession. Introduced belatedly into the attack, the off-spinner first broke a solid stand by dismissing Ollie Pope, who was looking well-set on 71.
Moments later, Sundar struck again — this time removing the dangerous Harry Brook — a dismissal made special by a moment of wicketkeeping brilliance.
Dhruv Jurel’s lightning-fast stumping sends Harry Brook packing
It was the first ball of Sundar’s seventh over — the 81st of the innings — and India had chosen not to take the second new ball. A tactical gamble paid off in style. Brook, looking to counter Sundar with an aggressive step-down-the-pitch shot, was completely deceived by the drift and turn. The ball curved away beautifully, skidding past his outside edge.
What followed was a moment of magic from Dhruv Jurel. Calm and composed, the young wicketkeeper gathered the ball cleanly and took off the bails in a flash, catching Brook stranded far outside his crease. It was a textbook example of sharp glovework and quick reflexes — a moment that brought India right back into the contest.
Here’s the video:
#Sundar’s got the golden touch today! ✨
Two quick wickets and #HarryBrook is walking back.#ENGvIND 👉 4th TEST, DAY 3 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar 👉 https://t.co/l55AM1kN1p pic.twitter.com/rzqEloNjC9
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 25, 2025
Did Shubman Gill introduce Washington too late?
With England already having overtaken India’s first innings total of 358, questions are now being raised about Shubman Gill‘s timing in turning to Sundar. India’s seamers were visibly struggling throughout the morning session, unable to make inroads or trouble the settled batters. It wasn’t until early in the second session that Gill turned to Sundar — a decision that did yield wickets, but perhaps came a bit too late.
Had Sundar been brought into the attack earlier, India might have been able to prevent England from seizing the momentum. Nevertheless, his impact was undeniable, and his spell has brought the visitors back into a match that was beginning to drift away.
