India pacer Shardul Thakur (67, 9x4, 2x6) hit a six off Australia pacer Pat Cummins to score his first runs in Test cricket at Brisbane on Sunday. Not very long after his fourth ball-six, Mumbai lad Thakur reached his maiden fifty with a six; this time off Nathan Lyon, the celebrated off-spinner, who is playing his 100th Test.

Thakur’s childhood coach Dinesh Lad was not surprised to see his ward showcasing his batting skills in Brisbane. “Shardul played like a top-order batsman; all were cricketing shots. It is amazing the way he batted fearlessly along with Washington Sundar in difficult situations and helped India bounce back. I feel very proud,” Lad told mid-day.