Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari displayed remarkable resilience to forge a defiant stand and help India secure a historic draw against the formidable Australian side at the SCG on this very day in 2021.

The day began with India’s hopes hanging by a thread, as they resumed at 98 for two, with a daunting target of 309 runs ahead. The early loss of skipper Ajinkya Rahane added to the pressure, but Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant reignited India’s chances with a 148-run stand. Pujara’s stoic 77 off 205 balls and Pant’s aggressive 97 off 118 balls kept the game alive. However, their dismissals set the stage for what was to become a legendary last stand.

Enter Ashwin and Vihari, who were not just battling the Australian bowlers but their physical ailments. Vihari, hampered by a severe hamstring injury sustained during his innings, and Ashwin, suffering from excruciating back pain that prevented him from sitting down even during breaks, displayed a masterclass in grit and endurance. Their partnership was not about scoring runs; it was about survival, about saving the game one ball at a time.

Together, they faced 259 deliveries, adding an unbeaten 62 runs over more than 42 overs after joining forces in the 89th over of India’s second innings. Vihari’s 23 not out off 161 balls and Ashwin’s 39 not out off 128 balls were not just numbers on the scoreboard; they were a testament to their indomitable spirit. The duo wore down the Australian attack, which had been relentless throughout the series, and batted through pain, having taken large doses of painkillers to continue their rescue operation.

Their partnership was a lesson in Test-saving batsmanship, a skill that seems largely extinct in the era of fast-paced cricket. It was a partnership that spoke volumes about the mental fortitude required at the highest level of the game. The communication between Ashwin and Vihari was pivotal, as they navigated through the challenging conditions and the formidable Australian bowling lineup.

India finished the day at 334 for 5 in 131 overs, achieving an extremely unlikely draw, thanks to the tenacity of these two cricketers. The SCG partnership between Ashwin and Vihari will be remembered as a magical moment in cricket, where sheer willpower triumphed over adversity. It was not just a draw; it was a moral victory, a statement of courage that resonated with cricket fans around the world. On that day, Ashwin and Vihari didn’t just save a match; they inspired countless others with their exemplary display of perseverance and teamwork.

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