In a stunning display of resilience, Shardul Thakur played a crucial innings in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, equaling a record previously held by Don Bradman and Allan Border. Known for his ability to deliver when the odds are stacked against him, Thakur’s 51-run knock on Day 3 helped India stay in the game after struggling in the first two days.
Notably, Thakur’s fourth Test half-century at The Oval also marked his third consecutive fifty at the venue, a feat shared with legends Bradman and Border. His love affair with The Oval is evident, having registered three half-centuries in the two Tests he has played there, along with five wickets to his name. Thakur boasts an impressive batting average of 56 at this ground.
Thakur’s partnership with Ajinkya Rahane was instrumental in India’s fightback. Coming to the crease with India in a precarious position at 152 for six, Thakur joined forces with Rahane to stitch a vital 109-run partnership for the seventh wicket. This partnership not only helped India avoid the follow-on but also brought them close to the 300-run mark. It stands as India’s highest partnership in WTC finals.
Facing a fiery spell from Australian captain Pat Cummins, Thakur endured some testing moments. He was hit twice in the same over, prompting him to use arm guards on both hands. Additionally, he survived an early scare when he was dropped in the slip cordon by Cameron Green. However, Thakur remained composed and gradually settled into his innings.
During his 109-ball stay at the crease, Thakur struck six boundaries before eventually getting dismissed while attempting an aggressive shot off Green in the post-lunch session. His contribution was instrumental in India’s fightback and ensured they remained competitive in the match.
Overall, Thakur’s remarkable knock not only showcased his crisis-management skills with the bat but also equaled a significant record shared by two legendary cricketers. His performance in the WTC final has once again demonstrated his ability to make a significant impact when his team needs it the most.