India pacer Shardul Thakur achieved an interesting milestone as he followed up his first-innings knock of 57 with another half-century in the second innings against England in the ongoing 4th Test at the Oval.
On day 4, India found themselves in a spot of bother when Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane were dismissed for 296 runs and then captain Virat Kohli followed shortly with the score reading 312/6. Rishabh Pant was joined by Shardul Thakur at the crease with India leading by 213 runs.
The duo kept the England bowlers at bay and conjured up a 100-run partnership for the 7th wicket. They score runs at a good speed as well which saw Shardul reaching his half-century off 65 balls and he was eventually dismissed for 60 in 72 balls with 7 fours and 1 six to his name, falling to Joe Root.
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But his 100-run partnership with Rishabh, who made 50, ensured India was firmly in the driver’s seat with the lead swelling nicely.
His knock helped him make two half-centuries in the same match and he received praise from all quarters on social media.
Virender Sehwag tweeted, “#LordShardul showing the middle order how it is done. Magnificent 60. What a #TeachersDay gift.”
While former India opener Wasim Jaffer posted, “Whenever he came to the wicket Change came over the game of cricket #LordShardul #ENGvIND”
Also sharing his thoughts on Shardul Thakur’s amazing knock was Aakash Chopra who tweeted, “If there’s a fan-club for the Lord…count me IN. Officially joining the club… Shardul Shardul. #EngvInd”
India was finally bowled out for 466 runs with Umesh Yadav making 25 and Jasprit Bumrah contributing 24 runs. England was set a target of 368 runs to win the fourth Test and go 2-1 up in the series.
