4th Test: Here's how Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar slayed the Aussies at Brisbane

Washington Sundar

Shardul Thakur's Mumbai teammates tell a tale of how he always wanted to open the batting in Ranji Trophy. In fact, it was with the bat that Thakur first got noticed in Mumbai cricket after he plundered six sixes in an over of school cricket.

Thakur has always rated himself as a batsman in domestic cricket and on Sunday he showcased his talent in Test cricket. Thakur (67) combined with debutant Washington Sundar (62) to add 123 runs for the seventh wicket to ensure India (336) trailed Australia (369) just by 33 runs.

During quarantine in Sydney, the team management could be heard praising Thakur's batting as he smashed the Indian bowlers at Blacktown Oval. At that time, he was preparing for the T20 series, but two months later, here he was at the Gabba, slaying the Australian bowlers.

Even before Sundar went in to bat, one could see his relaxed mindset as he chatted and joked with the support staff and Prithvi Shaw in the dugout. When Mayank Agarwal (38) succumbed to a rash shot, Sundar sprinted to the middle with authority. If there were nerves, he didn't show it.

Couple of firm drives down the ground had Ricky Ponting in the commentary box comparing him to Yuvraj Singh. This was a confident young man, unfazed about playing the Australian bowling on a bouncy Gabba pitch.

Thakur walked to the centre with a few skips and then shadow practised his front foot defence. Two balls later, Thakur pulled Cummins over square leg for a six to open his account.

Many felt that Thakur was ready to entertain with a few big hits, but he showcased perfect defence. He left the ball with intent and waited for the full balls, which he timed sweetly down the ground.