Washington Sundar survives a close call [Source: X]There has been much hustle-bustle about Washington Sundar getting a chance in the playing XI because of his recent underwhelming performances in the India vs England T20I series and the Ireland series as well. Ahead of the first ODI against England, played on July 14, Sundar had scored only five runs in the T20I series and nine runs in the Ireland series. Putting an end to all the criticism over his poor performances, Sundar played a match-winning knock of 52 runs off 63 deliveries to prove his worth with the bat. However, in the process, Washington Sundar was also blessed by luck after surviving an almost certain early dismissal during his innings.Washington Sundar survives dismissal with a lucky escapeDuring the fourth ball of the 39th over, with Sundar batting on 29, Will Jacks, the English all-rounder, bowled a short delivery around middle and leg stump. Sundar walked across and attempted to play a sweep shot. As he tried to paddle the ball, he lost his balance and missed it completely. The ball slid under his angled bat, struck his front pad, and then rolled onto the stumps. However, the bails did not come off. Harry Brook immediately opted for a review, hoping for an LBW dismissal. Also Read- Rohit Sharma Not Alone! Indian Players On Make Or Break For 2027 World Cup In England ODIsSundar survives DRS and bail dismissalAfter the decision went upstairs, UltraEdge showed no bat involved, but ball-tracking confirmed that the delivery had pitched outside leg stump, allowing Washington Sundar to survive the LBW appeal. Watch the video below:crictalk @crictalk7 Jul 15, 2026, 9:26 AM In an extraordinary stroke of luck, Sundar also escaped being bowled as the ball hit the stumps without dislodging the bails or the bails being lit up after being hit. Significantly enough, it is also doubtful whether it was noticed by Washington Sundar himself or not. Nevertheless, the lucky break helped Sundar bag a win for India by 6 wickets.How did Sundar rescue India for a win in the 1st ODI?Nevertheless, Sundar's contribution with the bat proved crucial during India's innings. After Shubman Gill retired hurt on 80, Sundar was sent in to anchor the chase. Backing him in those conditions turned out to be one of Gautam Gambhir's masterstrokes. The pitch at Edgbaston was not easy to bat on, with batters finding it difficult to settle. However, Washington Sundar stitched together a vital 102-run partnership with Axar Patel after the quick dismissals of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul in the 28th over. Washington Sundar remained calm and composed to build a crucial stand alongside Axar Patel, who also scored 57 runs. The composed all-rounder duo helped India navigate the moderate chase of 259 runs and seal the first ODI by six wickets.For England, the openers, Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell, started decently with the bat. Though Bethell was dismissed early, Joe Root and Liam Dawson stood firm to rebuild the innings, which had looked headed for a collapse after England were reduced to 80 for five, with Gurnoor Brar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Prasidh Krishna running riot through the batting lineup.Also Read- Will Shubman Gill Play Or Miss IND Vs ENG 2nd ODI? Update Arrives
