India stage incredible fightback to leave 4th Test against Australia in balance

Australia were 54 runs ahead in the second innings reaching 21 for no loss at stumps on the third day of the fourth and final cricket Test being played at the Gabba in Brisbane after Indian tailend batsmen Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar staged an incredible fightback for their team with the bat. 

Thakur, playing only in his second Test and Washington, who was handed his Test debut in this contest added 123 runs for the seventh wicket—a record for any touring side at Australia’s fortress in Gabba—to put the home team on the back foot as they reduced their lead in the first innings, which was looking like in excess of 150 at one stage. 

Both Shardul and Washington scored half-centuries as they continued with the script of the visiting Indian team not giving up the fight on this tour, and with two days’ play left in the contest as well as in the series, Australia will now have to bring their ‘A’ game forward to clinch a series win and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy which is currently with India.

Australia did not make too many mistakes but it was just a splendid batting performance from both the Indian batsmen after their side was reduced to 194 for 6 in reply to Australia’s first innings total of 369. India had resumed the first third day’s play at 62 for 2 and none of their mainstream batsmen could make any mark against the relentless Australian bowling attack. 

Sundar faced as many as 144 balls and cracked seven fours and one six to make 62 in his first innings in Test cricket, whereas Thakur, who had an incomplete game owing to an injury in October 2018 against the West Indies on his debut, displayed tremendous control and discipline in his 115-ball 67, which included nine fours and two sixes.