The third day of the fourth Test between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane started early to make up for the loss of play on day two due to rain. India resumed from 62/2 with Pujara and Rahane at the crease.
A lot was expected from the duo, especially see of the first session which has been a problem for India throughout the series. Pujara fell to Hazlewood for 25, while Rahane made 37 before Mitchell Starc got his wicket. Mayank Agarwal (38) and Rishabh Pant (23) looked good for a while, but got out going for runs, when time should have been the focus.
At 186/6, Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar came together and though there were not much hopes from them, they punched way above their weight and kept Australian bowlers frustrated for well over 40 overs.
AUS v IND 2020-21: WATCH - Washington Sundar smashes Nathan Lyon for a 'no-look' six
Shardul (67 with 9 fours and 2 sixes) and Sundar (62 with 7 fours and 1 six) entertained the Indian fans at the Gabba with some brilliant counter attacking batting. Even the unflustered Nathan Lyon was irritated at not getting either of them out and it showed in Australian bowlers’ behavior.
The duo added 123 valuable runs for the 7th wicket, before Cummins clean bowled Thakur. The remainder of the tail was cleared quickly as India folded for 336 runs, giving away just 33 runs in lead to the Australian team.
Josh Hazlewood picked 5/57 for Australia, while Pat Cummins (2/94) and Mitchell Starc (2/88) were the other successful bowlers with Lyon picking one wicket.
This seemed to be against their plan, as they had hoped for a lead of over 100, but Shardul and Sundar took the attack to home bowlers to put India in a position of advantage. Australia, who batted 6 overs at the fag end of the day, made 21 runs without a loss of wicket and they lead by 54 runs.
Shardul and Sundar's brilliant batting effort was also praised by cricket experts and fraternity on Twitter.
Here are the tweets:
