Unbreakable Wall in Sydney: Vihari, Ashwin Snatch Draw from Jaws of Defeat on This Day in 2021

ON THIS DAY IN 2021: Team India exhibited a steely mindset and sheer resistance to avoid a defeat against Australia in the Sydney Test in 2021. India’s Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari batted out throughout the entire evening session on day five of the third Test to clinch an epic draw at the Sydney Cricket Ground on this day three years back.

Ashwin and Vihari might have forged a 62-run partnership in the fourth innings of the Test but their determination to not fall prey to Aussie bowlers was a treat to the cricket lovers.

The duo faced 256 deliveries and registered the fourth-longest partnership for the sixth wicket in the fourth innings of a Test resulting in a victory or a draw.

What made their partnership more remarkable was the fact that both Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari dealt with injury issues while facing Australia’s lethal bowling line-up in the fourth innings of the Sydney Test.

It was later revealed that Ashwin encountered a back injury while Vihari had tweaked his hamstring and had to scamper while running between the wickets. With this heroic, Ashwin claimed the fifth spot on the list of most balls faced by an India number seven in the fourth innings.

With 309 more runs to win, the visitors started day five’s play at 98 for two. India’s stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane was the first to depart on the final day of the fixture having scored four runs.

Cheteshwar Pujara (77 off 205) and Rishabh Pant (97 off 118) weathered the storm having stitched a solid partnership of 148 in the second innings.

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon broke the vital partnership having dismissed Rishabh Pant in the 80th over of the innings. Cheteshwar Pujara was the next to return to the dressing room as Josh Hazlewood picked up the crucial wicket.

What followed next was nothing short of a miracle. Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari showcased their spectacular batting prowess to keep the hosts at bay and earn a memorable draw for Team India.

A tied third Test prevented Australia from earning a 2-1 lead in the four-match series against India. The Indian cricket team went on to conquer the final Test in Brisbane to earn an epic series triumph Down Under.