Happy to play the toughest format and contribute to the team: Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar

The third day of the fourth Test match at the Gabba witnessed a batting resilience by Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar. The duo recorded a 123-run partnership for the seventh wicket and helped India reach 336 in their first innings.

Veteran spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin who was rested for the final Test match of the series turned anchor and interviewed the youngsters. Shardul Thakur scored 67 off 115 emerged as India’s top-scorer in the innings before getting dismissed by Pat Cummins. 

"It was not easy to bowl those 10 balls and get injured. I went back and grinded out in domestic cricket and whatever opportunities I got," Thakur told Ashwin in a video posted on bcci.tv. 

In October 2018, the Maharashtrian bowler made his Test debut for India in the second Test match against West Indies at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. But, the latter couldn’t make more out of it as he walked away from the match right after bowling 1.4 overs after sustaining a groin injury.

"Waiting for two years to play Test cricket again and getting the wicket (of Marcus Harris) in the very first ball, it is a dream come true. I am happy to contribute to the team's cause," he said.

The 29-year-old didn’t look like a number eight batsman, the shots he played definitely made him look like a solid top-order batsman.

"At that point of time I was not looking to hit a six but it was more of a reaction. I saw the ball and played it instinctively. It came out well for me. I am happy about it. Honestly, I have not done practice for that but it was one of the days when I was batting really well. I did not want to miss any opportunity and any loose ball. I felt like putting it away. That is it," Shardul Thakur added.

Debutant Washington Sundar, who was Thakur’s partner in batting spectacle at the Gabba, expressed his delight of playing in the purest form of the game.  

"Test cricket is the toughest format. I am very happy to start off in this fashion. God's grace and a lot of support from the family," Washington told his Tamil Nadu teammate Ashwin.