Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar revive India’s hopes in series deciding Test

Test rookies Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar combined for a rearguard century stand that frustrated Australia's bowling attack and lifted India from a precarious position Sunday into almost first-innings parity in the series-deciding match. (Source: AP)

The partnership formed with India in serious trouble at 186-6 in reply to Australia's 369, and with no more recognized batters in the pavilion, and added 123 runs _ an Indian record for the seventh wicket at the Gabba. (Source: Reuters)

Thakur, in his second test, got off the mark with a six and raised his maiden test half century with another six off Nathan Lyon and topped India's scoring with a 115-ball 67. Sundar posted 62 from 144 deliveries in his debut test innings. In between the boundaries, the lower middle-order batters dodged, ducked and were hit by short balls peppered at them by the Australian fast bowlers. (Source: Reuters)

When Australian paceman Josh Hazlewood (5-57) completed a five-wicket haul by clean bowling a wildly-swinging Mohammed Siraj for 13, India was all out for 336 late on day three _ just a 33-run first-innings deficit. (Source: AP)

Australia reached stumps at 21 without loss, an overall lead of 54. David Warner was unbeaten on 20. (Source: AP)

The series is level at 1-1 with two days remaining and it appears that India is on track to at least force a draw that would ensure it retains the Border-Gavaskar trophy. (Source: AP)