1987 and 1999 World Cup winner Tom Moody was highly impressed by the two all-rounders' batting.
Former Australian all-rounder, Tom Moody, heaped up praise on Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar, who registered their maiden Test-match fifties and rescued Team India from a precarious position in the series decider at the Gabba.
With ongoing Border-Gavaskar on the line at Gabba, Brisbane Australia posted a total of 369 in their first innings. Replying to which, the visitors were in a spot of bother as they were reduced to 161 for 5 and then quickly to 186/6.
Thakur and Sundar’s effort allowed India to breathe as it took the total to 336 and reduced the first-innings deficit to 33 runs. The duo was not just blocking but they kept the scoreboard moving and recorded a century partnership for the 7th wicket.
Former Australian all-rounder, Tom Moody, compared Washington Sundar's batting prowess to that of a top-order batsman and said that he’s got the temperament of a top-order player.
“We know that Washington Sundar’s got a pedigree at the top of the order even though it’s at a lower level but still, he’s got the temperament of a top-order player, the mindset of a top-order player, a technique molded around batting at the top of the order,” said Tom Moody to ESPNCricinfo.
“Yes, it’s an ominous step up to be applying those skills at a Test match at the Gabba but still he did that and he did that with some level of assurance. He was calm at the crease, he looked very much in control. He was impressive.” he added.
Prior to Washington Sundar’s heroics, Tom Moody was impressed with Shardul Thakur’s ability to play his natural game in an intense scenario and said that he is a natural striker and a clean hitter of the ball.
“The most important thing about Thakur was that he just played his natural game. He is a natural ball striker and a clean hitter of the ball and he took that game to the Gabba,”
“He went out there, he hit a six early in his innings. He hit a four straight down the ground. He looked like he wanted to be himself which was very important because it gave that partnership momentum early,” said Tom Moody.
Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur put together one of the most amazing counter-attacking partnerships in recent times and rescued the visitors from a hazardous position in the series decider at the Gabba. However, the duo showed great application and resilience to add 123 runs between them.
(ESPN CRICINFO Inputs)