Washington-Shardul partnership was outstanding: Ponting

| PTI | Jan 17, 2021, 16:08 IST

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has admired the discipline... Read More

BRISBANE

: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has admired the discipline and application of Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur for their brilliant rear-guard batting effort, which kept India in contention in the series-deciding fourth Test here.

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. The duo stitched 123 runs for the seventh wicket and defied the Australians for 36 overs.

"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 wasn't many false shots at all played by either of them."

Ponting, however, felt Australia lacked aggression and their fast bowlers should have attacked the Indian lower-order with more short-pitched deliveries.

"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.

"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 said the flat Gabba wicket did not help the lethal Australian fast bowling trio, while also crediting the Indians for their fighting spirit throughout the series.

"It's been a bit of a struggle for them (Australian fast bowlers), the wicket's been flat, there hasn't been any sideways movement and certainly no swing.

Well done, mate!

Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur gave India a fighting chance of securing the draw they need in the fourth Test against Australia to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. (BCCI Photo)

Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur put on 123 runs for the seventh wicket -- a record for India at the Gabba -- taking their team from a precarious 186 for seven to 336 all out. (AP Photo)

Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar smashed the previous seventh-wicket record for India at the Gabba of 58, set by Kapil Dev and Manoj Prabhakar in 1991. (AFP Photo)

Shardul Thakur was bowled by Pat Cummins for an entertaining 67. (Reuters Photo)

All-rounder Washington Sundar scored 62 runs before being dismissed by Mitchell Starc. (Reuters Photo)

For Australia, Josh Hazlewood claimed figures of 5-57. (Getty Images)

Australian openers Marcus Harris and David Warner survived six testing overs as Australia finished the third day on 21 without loss. (Getty Images)

Australia ended Day 3 with a lead of 54 runs. (AP Photo)

"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," he said.

"Especially after Adelaide, they've been able to produce what they've needed to in big moments from there on in."

Top Comment

Ullatt Subhas

1419 days ago

After all it’s a red Cricket ball and not a red bomb so don’t be afraid to hit it and hit it hard. Credit should be be given to the excellent field placing by Australia stopping runs to even excellent shots. They have definitely studied the batting style of the Indians which is seen in the excellent field placement. Watching the Indians bat it gives the impression that they are giving fielding practices for the Australians. Rohit put your head down and please don’t be tempted to hit sixes. Mate runs will come stay at the crease with your head down. Wish you all the best and don’t be too defensive playing into the hands of Australia. Good luck.

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