BRISBANE, Jan 17: Day three of the fourth Test saw the hosts’ vaunted attack humbled by Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur’s batting defiance. Their batting effort which culminated in a partnership of 123 runs.
The partnership was the highest seventh-wicket partnership for India at The Gabba.
Kapil Dev and Manoj Prabhakar had earlier held the record when they stitched together a 58-run stand for the seventh wicket in 1991.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has admired the discipline and application of Sundar and Shardul for their brilliant rear-guard batting effort, which kept India in contention in the series-deciding fourth Test here.
“The batsmanship has been a real standout and their application and concentration. They didn’t throw it away. The partnership was outstanding, exactly what India needed at the time which is what they’ve been able to produce in a few Test matches,” Ponting said.
India captain Virat Kohli on Sunday also heaped praise on youngsters Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur for showing outstanding application with the bat and leading visitor’s fightback on Day 3 of the series-deciding fourth Test against Australia at the Gabba.
“Outstanding application and belief by @Sundarwashi and @imShard. This is what test cricket is all about. Washy top composure on debut and tula parat maanla re Thakur (hats off to you Thakur)!” Kohli tweeted.
“Gabba the Dhaba for these two guys. If there is one word to describe the courage of this Indian team, it’s Dabanng. So daring and brave,” Former India opener Virender Sehwag said in an Instagram post.
Former India batsman VVS Laxman also joined in and praised the brave effort of the two young batsman and tweeted, “Congrats Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur on your maiden Test ’50s. Loved the fight, technique and will power you both exhibited.”
“Also, a good example for young bowlers to work on their batting as you never know when your contribution with the bat will help the team,” he added. (Agencies)
