India pacer Shardul Thakur on Sunday (January 17) managed to bury the ghost of his disappointing Test debut in 2018 as he did well with both bat and ball in the ongoing fourth Test against Australia at the Gabba.
On his maiden Test match against the West Indies in Hyderabad, Shardul had to leave the field after bowling only 10 deliveries due to a sudden groin injury.
Playing his second Test in Brisbane, however, Shardul impressed one and all as he took three wickets with the ball in Australia's first innings and then top-scored for India with 67.
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"It was not easy to bowl those 10 balls and get injured. I went back and grinded out in domestic cricket and whatever opportunities I got," Shardul said in an interview taken by veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, posted on bcci.tv.
"Waiting for two years to play Test cricket again and getting the wicket (of Marcus Harris) in the very first ball, it is a dream come true. I am happy to contribute to the team's cause."
When India were tottering at 186/6 on Day 3 in Brisbane, Shardul Thakur added 123 runs for the seventh wicket alongside debutant Washington Sundar (62) to take the visitors within 36 runs of Australia’s 369/10 in the first essay.
Shardul began his innings with a six and also notched up his maiden Test fifty by smashing a maximum.
Asked about it, he said, "At that point of time I was not looking to hit a six but it was more of a reaction. I saw the ball and played it instinctively. It came out well for me. I am happy about it."
Commenting on the cover drives he hit, Shardul said, "Honestly, I have not done practice for that but it was one of the days when I was batting really well. I did not want to miss any opportunity and any loose ball. I felt like putting it away. That is it."
For Washington Sundar, it was a dream Test debut as he dismissed the great Steve Smith to claim his maiden wicket in the longest format and then scored a crucial half-century.
Asked about it by Ashwin, Washington said, "Test cricket is the toughest format. I am very happy to start off in this fashion. God's grace and a lot of support from the family."
(With PTI inputs)
