Hampshire Enlist Washington Sundar to Bolster Relegation Fight in County Championship

Hampshire have signed Indian allrounder Washington Sundar for their final two County Championship fixtures, in a move that follows a costly points deduction with potentially serious relegation implications.

Hampshire were docked eight points following the decision of an Cricket Discipline Panel related to their Championship fixture in May against Sussex. They were referred to the CDP for preparing a sub-standard pitch and following a hearing last week, the county have been handed a fine and a points deduction.

Following the developments, Hampshire are now closer to the relegation zone. With rain forcing a draw today (September 11) in their reverse fixture against Sussex, Hampshire have their task cut out in their remaining two fixtures against heavyweights Somerset and Surrey.

They would now hope that Washington's inclusion will boost their chances of survival. The 25-year-old was a part of the Indian Test squad recently in England where he made 284 runs at an average of 47. "We're delighted to bring Washington to the club for the County Championship," Giles White, Director of Cricket said. "He had an excellent series against England this summer and he'll play a key role with two big games coming up against Somerset and Surrey."