Shardul Thakur, often hailed as the ‘Lord’ for his knack of turning the tide in challenging situations, once again proved his mettle during Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. With a stunning 51-run knock, Thakur not only steered India away from an impending disaster but also etched his name alongside legends Don Bradman and Allan Border.Â
Thakur turns tides once again
Thakur’s ability to rise to the occasion has become a trademark of his game. Be it his partnership with Washington Sundar at The Gabba or his remarkable performances against England and South Africa, the all-rounder has consistently delivered when the chips were down. Now, in the highly anticipated WTC final, Thakur has come to the fore once again, ensuring India stays in the game after a challenging start.Â
During his resilient innings, Thakur achieved a remarkable feat by equaling the record of Bradman and Border. This was his third consecutive half-century at The Oval, making him the joint record holder alongside the two legendary cricketers. The venue seems to hold a special place in Thakur’s heart, as he boasts an impressive average of 56 with the bat and has amassed three half-centuries in just two Tests played here.
Thakur and Rahane etch a good partnership
Thakur’s remarkable partnership with Ajinkya Rahane further solidified India’s position in the match. Coming in when India was reeling at 152 for six, Thakur joined forces with Rahane to construct a crucial 109-run stand for the seventh wicket. The duo not only helped India avoid the follow-on but also propelled the team toward the 300-run mark. This partnership between Thakur and Rahane stands as the highest in the WTC finals.Â
Despite facing a barrage of hostile deliveries from Australian captain Pat Cummins and enduring a couple of painful blows, Thakur showcased immense composure and determination. His inning was not without some luck, as he survived an early scare when dropped by Cameron Green in the slip cordon. Nevertheless, Thakur exhibited his trademark calmness and gradually settled into his groove. His 109-ball stay at the crease included six well-timed boundaries before he finally fell victim to Green’s bowling, attempting an ambitious drive in the post-lunch session.Â
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