“Aadu mama aadu’’: Ashwin eggs on Vihari in Telugu in Sydney Test

For Vihari, it was one of the monumental innings. He survived 161 balls for just 23 runs and Ashwin, who had treatment on his ribs, making 39.

Hyderabad: G Hanuma Vihari tore his hamstring when he was on four and India were staging a fight back against Australia. In the company of Ravichandran Ashwin, he winced in pain and defied the odds like a wounded soldier with one foot before ensuring a thrilling draw for India in the third Test against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday. Vihari and Ashwin emerged as batting heroes on the final day after a gritty Cheteshwar Pujara and an aggressive Rishabh Pant had given a ray of hope in the morning. The hamstring injury restricted Vihari’s movement and he could barely stand. The singles were not run but the two relied on solid defence. It was a masterly tribute to India’s greatest batsman Rahul Dravid, the Wall, who was celebrating his 48th birthday on Monday.

For Vihari, it was one of the monumental innings. He survived 161 balls for just 23 runs (4×4) and Ashwin, who had treatment on his ribs, making 39. The 256 balls they faced in their unbeaten partnership of 62 was the most by an India sixth-wicket pair on Australian soil, helping steer them to 334 for five at the close, 73 runs adrift.

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Vihari’s brave innings drew praise although he was under pressure for a string of low scores during this tour so far. He was run out in the first innings and dropped a sitter on Sunday and the pressure was on this Hyderabad boy, who now plays for Andhra. But Vihari rose to the occasion with one of the toughest innings of his career, battling his injury and the aggressive Aussies.

He was unfazed by the sledging or the pain. He kept it simple by standing like a rock. With Ashwin, he began the rescue act. The two rallied ball by ball. The Tamil Nadu off-spinner, who took a good number of blows on his body, would encourage his younger partner and in Tamil like `Pathu Pathu ball aadanum’ and also told in Telugu: `Aadu mama aadu’.

The Aussies tried all tactics but could not get the breakthrough. After facing 128 balls, Vihari struck his first boundary over slips to third man. Though he was dropped later on by wicketkeeper Tim Paine, Vihari and Ashwin had the final laugh.

John Manoj, coach of Vihari, said he was proud of his boy. “It was all about determination. With a hamstring injury, it is very difficult to bat. But he defied all odds. In the process, he silenced many of the critics. I knew that he would do well today. I thought he would lead India to victory but the injury forced him to play a different role. Like VVS Laxman, he always battles for a place in the team. Like Laxman also, he likes challenges,’’ he said.

Manoj said Vihari had played many such knocks in his first class career. “The biggest one was hitting a big double century against Himachal Pradesh at Gymkhana a few years ago. Despite a back pain, he ensured a draw for Hyderabad.’’

Laxman rightly said about this innings in his twitter that Vihari exhibited his true character and mental strength.

Former chairman of selectors MSK Prasad said Vihari is one of the solid and reliable players of the team. “Today, the unfortunate injury hindered his movement but carried on the battle like a wounded soldier.’’

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