Guts & glory at Gabba: From a no-look six to dogged defence, how Sundar & Shardul defied odds

Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur got here in to bat when the Indian scoreboard was studying – 186/6. With India’s innings teetering Washington Sundar (62) and Shardul Thakur (60) mixed for a useful 123-run partnership to shut the deficit to 36 runs on Day 3.
This was simply the twelfth time in Test historical past that India’s No.7 and No.8 registered half-centuries in the identical innings, and simply the third time it’s occurred outdoors of Asia.
What adopted was a rearguard motion like no different because the duo stitched the best partnership for the seventh wicket to frustrate the Australian assault.

Thakur, in his second check, acquired off the mark with a six and raised his maiden check half-century with one other six off Nathan Lyon and topped India’s scoring with a 115-ball 67.
Sundar, who had a lifeline early on when he edged Mitchell Starc between second slip and gully, scored 62 from 144 deliveries in his debut check innings.
India’s Shardul Thakur left, and teammate Washington Sundar speak throughout play on day three of the fourth cricket Test between India and Australia on the Gabba, Brisbane. (AP Photo)
In between the boundaries, the decrease middle-order batters dodged, ducked, and had been hit by quick balls peppered at them by the Australian quick bowlers.
But what was most spectacular was the nonchalance with which the duo took on the Aussie assault. One specific shot that stood out was the no-look six off Lyon who tossed it generously as Sundar went down on his knees and launched it over mid-on and didn’t even hassle wanting on the shot. Such was the boldness!

A 21 12 months check debutant hitting a no-look six 6️⃣ 🔥 in opposition to top-of-the-line Test bowling assault workforce..That’s Washington Sundar for you 🇮🇳💙#AUSvsIND #INDvsAUS #GabbaTestpic.twitter.com/Okfqk4mLN5
— Satyam Singh (@satyam_2044) January 17, 2021
Thakur was not behind both as he stood tall to Aussie fireplace. His authoritative shot off Mitchell Starc the place he slapped it via additional cowl was an indication of confidence, guts, and glory.
Quite naturally their efforts drew reward from throughout the globe. From Virat Kohli to Virender Sehwag, the applause merely weren’t sufficient–

Outstanding utility and perception by @Sundarwashi5 and @imShard. This is what check cricket is all about. Washy high composure on debut and tula parat maanla re Thakur! 👏👌
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 17, 2021

Was the Shardul-washi partnership the Most defining partnership of the collection or was it the Ashwin-vihari one?? #AUSvsIND
— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) January 17, 2021

If there’s one phrase to explain the braveness of this Indian workforce, it’s Dabanng. So daring and courageous. Ati Sundar Thakur .
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 17, 2021
The collection is stage at 1-1 with two days remaining and it seems that India is on observe to no less than drive a draw that will guarantee it retains the Border-Gavaskar trophy.