Ashwin recalls Sydney marathon partnership with Hanuma Vihari

All-rounder and Test enthusiast R Ashwin was one of the architects of India’s memorable series win in Australia last year. Not only did the lanky off-spinner trouble the Australian batters in the first three Tests, but he also batted them out of a certain series-leading win at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Ashwin battled time, injury, charged-up hosts and one verbally-active Tim Paine to script a draw for the ages. He, along with Hanuma Vihari, washed up 256 deliveries in the closing stages of Day 5, after Rishabh Pant’s dismissal had tilted the tide towards the hosts.

Remarkably, both cricketers were batting amidst injuries they had sustained earlier in the match, with Vihari battling a hamstring injury at the crease.

Quite recently, Ashwin interacted with ANI and recollected his match-saving batting marathon with the Hyderabad-based cricketer.

“We both got comfortable the instant we went in. We realised what problem we had; he could not come forward and be going on the backfoot. He was struggling from the hamstring injury. When I went to the crease, I could not go forward against the fast bowlers. So, in that situation, I said we will rotate and see how this will work,” Ashwin told ANI.

The Test legend added, “After sometimes he was facing the fast bowlers, and I was facing the spinners. And with that, we batted for a couple of overs. There was solid communication between him and me; we were helping each other out.”

As it transpired in the match, a ravaged Indian team looked good to chase down 407 on Day 5. However, following the dismissals of Rishabh Pant and Cheteshwar Pujara, the Indian batters toned down their scoring gear to a snailing pace.

Both Ashwin and Vihari batted out 256 deliveries to form their 62-run unbeaten partnership. While Ashwin scored 39* from 128 balls, the latter chewed up a staggering 161 cherries to score just 23*. The Test ended in a draw, with both batters skipping the subsequent decider to nurse their injuries.

Later, the injury-struck tourists, under the spirited leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, formed forces to register one of the greatest Test wins in the history of Indian cricket. The win also secured a 2-1 series victory for the visitors and brought an end to a 32-year unbeaten run for Australia at The Gabba.