Image Source : AP Shardul Thakur
India quick bowler Shardul Thakur had a nightmare of a Test debut in 2018 as he obtained injured after bowling simply 10 balls however on Sunday mentioned his dream got here true after doing nicely with each bat and ball within the ongoing fourth Test in opposition to Australia right here.
Shardul took three wickets with the ball in Australia’s first innings after which top-scored for India with a 67 as he obtained concerned with Washington Sundar (62) in a superb rear-guard fightback to maintain India in rivalry.
“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 mentioned in an interview taken by senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, posted on bcci.television.
“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.”
In October 2018, Shardul was pressured to depart the sphere on account of a groin pressure after bowling simply 10 deliveries on the primary day of the second Test in opposition to the West Indies in Hyderabad.
But on Sunday, he and Washington rescued India from conceding an enormous result in Australia. After India had been decreased to 186 for six in reply to the hosts’ 369, the duo stitched 123 runs for the seventh wicket and defied the Australians for 36 overs.
In truth, Shardul started his innings with a six and likewise obtained to his half-century by hitting a surprising six.
Asked about it, he mentioned, “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.”
On the duvet drives he hit, Shardul mentioned, “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.”
Washington mentioned Shardul was attempting to hit a six off Nathan Lyon and he was not shocked when his batting companion reached to his 50 with a six.
For Washington, it was additionally a memorable debut as he obtained his first Test wicket within the type of Steven Smith after which obtained a half century.
Asked about it by Ashwin, Washington mentioned, “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.”
Another debutant, pacer T Natarajan mentioned he didn’t strive an excessive amount of for his three wickets in Australia’s first innings.
“I did not try too much. I came around the wicket because the plan of the team was that.”
