Rishabh Pant’s 89 not out on Day 5 of the Gabba Test was the match-winning and series-defining knock for India. But what laid the foundation for India to be able to put up a fight on the final day of the 4th Test, was the brilliant partnership between Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar in the 1st innings.
Together Shardul and Washington added 123 runs to the historic 7th wicket partnership at The Gabba, taking India’s total to 336 in the 1st innings. Both batsmen, Shardul playing his 2nd Test and Sundar making his debut, scored maiden fifties in their Test career. According to Washington, the two batsmen complemented each other during the partnership that went on to be the most crucial partnership of the game.
“Definitely, there was a lot of pressure from the bowlers but I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself. I just wanted to enjoy the stage and do the things I was supposed to do, not really worry about too many things. Shardul batted really well and we complemented each other very well. And the way he played those shots,” Washington Sundar told Boria Majumdar in an exclusive interview with Sports Today.
“Runs kept coming after quite some time and it was happening really good at Gabba and most of all we enjoyed batting against a top quality side coming really hard at us. They knew if they could break that one partnership they would get the upper hand. So, yeah, that partnership was very very crucial for the team.”
Under unforeseen circumstances, a 21-year-old Washington Sundar made his debut at the Australian fortress- The Gabba. It’s an experience that, according to the cricketer, he and the players involved will never forget.
“It was a great debut for me, it was actually a dream game for all of us. Being a part of that game, playing at Gabba. There were a lot of moments in the game that will forever be unforgettable for me, for a lot of other players in the team. So, yes, I think the most important factor was the fact that we won the game. Especially beating Australia at the Gabba was amazing and being able to chase 300 on the 4th Day was amazing. And the way we’ve been celebrating the victory, I’ve felt so glad to have been part of the Indian team at Gabba,” Sundar added about his dream debut.
Watch the full interview on Sports Today at 2 pm on January 24.