Shardul Thakur, Mike Hussey
Shardul Thakur [Image Credits: Twitter]

Indian seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur displayed his batting might to the hilt during his 115-ball 67 against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Thakur has long been hailed for his ability to bat lower down the order. In-fact, one of the reasons behind his inclusion in the team- as was Washington Sundar’s- was that he could bolster the lower-order, which hasn’t really contributed to the team’s cause in the recent past and especially in the ongoing series.

And, on Sunday, India reaped the rewards for the selection to the hilt as Shardul Thakur, along with Washington Sundar, stitched what could potentially be a match-saving 123-run-stand for the 7th wicket.

Shardul Thakur, Mike Hussey, Ravi Shastri
Shardul Thakur [Image Credit: Twitter]
Apart from the grit, tenacity, patience, and determination, Shardul Thakur also displayed his full range of strokes.

The highlight of his innings was unarguably the cover-drive on the up that he stroked off Mitchell Starc.

Such was the audaciousness of the cover-drive that it prompted commentator Mike Hussey to even compare it with the way his former captain Steve Waugh used to hit them during his playing days.

“Oh! What a shot this is! Stand and deliver! Steve Waugh like?” asked Mike Hussey to his fellow commentator Kerry ‘O Keefe.

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Thakur did not hold back after that stroke as he brought up his maiden Test half-century in the most disdainful way possible as he smoked off-spinner Nathan Lyon for an audacious six over his head. His knock eventually came to an end on 67 thanks Pat Cummins, who knocked his off-pole with a fullish length delivery, one that jagged back in with pace.

Also Read: When You Perform In Australia, They Will Love You: Shardul Thakur Reveals What Ravi Shastri Said To Inspire Him

Watch Shardul Thakur’s audacious cover-drive here: