Watch: Shardul Thakur, India’s No.8, crunched a beautiful drive on day three of the Brisbane Test against Australia, en route to his maiden half-century in international cricket.

India had slipped to 186-6 at one point on the third day, with all of their specialist batsmen back in the hut. Out came Thakur and alongside Washington Sundar, demonstrated the resistance and fight that has characterised an injury-marred India throughout this series.

The duo stitched a 123-run partnership, frustrating the bowlers and chipping away at Australia’s sizeable lead. While Thakur got off the mark with a six, he slowed down later in the innings, putting on a solid show of defence against the hosts’ four-pronged pace attack.

However, the 29-year-old was not afraid to play his shots all around the ground. In the 91st over of the innings, he stood up tall and drove Mitchell Starc handsomely through the covers, possibly the shot of the day.

“What a shot this is. If that doesn’t anger a fast bowler, nothing will. Stand and deliver. Steve Waugh-like,” gushed commentator Mike Hussey, who was on air at the time.

Watch the shot here:

 

Shardul crunches a “Steve Waugh-like” cover drive says Mike Hussey.

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— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 17, 2021