Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting hailed the 123-run 7th wicket partnership between Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar, which helped India make 336 runs in their first innings of the 4th Test at Brisbane’s Gabba.
Washington (62) and Shardul (67) led a splendid lower-order fightback after India were reduced to 186 for 6 in reply to Australia's 369. They helped reduce the deficit to just 33 runs by the time India was bowled out.
"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 told cricket.com.au.
“Shardul at the end went for a shot that probably wasn't quite on but before that there weren't many false shots at all played by either of them,” he said.
However, Ponting was disappointed by the lack of aggression showed by Australian pacers, though Josh Hazlewood ended up with 5/57.
"I don't think they were aggressive enough, didn't bowl enough short balls. They let the Indian batsmen be way too comfortable at the crease. They almost bowled the way those batsmen would have wanted them to bowl," said the legendary batsman.
He further added, "It wasn't until we saw a bit of a barrage from (Mitchell) Starc and even when Shardul got out (bowled by Pat Cummins), it was no surprise it was a ball after a bouncer. I don't think the Aussies were anywhere near aggressive enough."
Ponting credited the Indians for their fighting spirit throughout the series.
"And with India, we see that they just keep fighting. They've been up for the battle and the contest right the way through this series so far. Especially after Adelaide, they've been able to produce what they've needed to in big moments from there on in,” he said.
(PTI inputs)
