India Avoid Follow-On as Bumrah and Akash Deep Shine in Gabba Test
India mounted a remarkable fightback on day four of the rain-affected third Test against Australia in Brisbane, with a defiant 10th-wicket stand between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep steering them past the follow-on mark. Australia’s hopes of forcing a result were further dashed by the injury to fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, leaving the hosts stretched for resources and time.
India’s Heroic Resistance
India began the day at 51 for 4, still reeling from Australia’s commanding first-innings total of 445. However, despite setbacks, a combination of grit and opportunism enabled them to dig deep.
The most notable effort came from India’s lower order. At 201 for 7 after tea and still 45 runs short of avoiding the follow-on, India’s position looked bleak. When Ravindra Jadeja — who played a courageous knock of 77 — fell to Pat Cummins with a mistimed pull-shot, the situation became even more dire. Mitchell Marsh sprinted in from deep square leg to complete an impressive low catch, leaving India at 213 for 8.
Moments earlier, Mohammed Siraj had been dismissed for just 1 run, caught behind off a sharp delivery from Mitchell Starc, as Australia appeared poised to wrap up India’s innings quickly.
But India’s number 11 Akash Deep joined Bumrah at the crease, and the pair took charge in a remarkable, counter-attacking final stand. Deep, showing unexpected aggression and confidence, smashed Cummins for a stunning six after slicing an edge for four over gully. His unorthodox but effective batting left Australia frustrated, as failing light eventually forced the umpires to call stumps.
Deep remained unbeaten on 27 off 33 balls, while Bumrah supported with 10 runs. Their unbroken 39-run partnership pushed India to 252 for 9, trailing by 193 runs but crucially avoiding the follow-on.
Hazlewood’s Injury Adds to Australia’s Woes
Australia’s task was made considerably harder with the injury to star pacer Josh Hazlewood, who left the field after a calf strain and has been ruled out for the remainder of the Test and possibly the series. This left Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to shoulder the pace workload, but fatigue and ineffectiveness from spinner Nathan Lyon hindered their ability to break through the Indian resistance.
KL Rahul Anchors India Amid Costly Drop
Earlier in the day, India’s opener KL Rahul was the standout performer with a determined 84. His innings started with a major let-off when Steve Smith dropped a simple chance at first slip off the first ball of the morning. Rahul capitalized on the reprieve, building crucial partnerships and countering Australia’s attack despite challenging conditions.
However, Smith redeemed himself later, pulling off a spectacular one-handed catch at slip to dismiss Rahul off Lyon’s bowling, denying him a well-deserved century.
India suffered further setbacks when Nitish Kumar Reddy was dismissed for 16, chopping onto his stumps off Cummins’ delivery just before tea. Reddy’s 53-run partnership with Jadeja proved crucial in halting Australia’s momentum.
Rohit Sharma’s Struggles Continue
India’s captain Rohit Sharma faced further scrutiny after another disappointing innings. Rohit fell for just 10 runs in the morning session, nicking a lead-footed drive to the keeper off Cummins after being softened up with a sharp bouncer. His series tally now stands at just 19 runs from three innings, raising concerns about his form as India’s batting leader.
Rain Hampers Australia’s Push for Victory
While Australia dominated large portions of the rain-hit Test, continuous weather disruptions and India’s lower-order defiance have limited their chances of securing a result. With a day remaining and Australia needing to bowl out India again, time appears to be slipping away for the hosts.
Summary of Key Performances
- KL Rahul: 84 runs (survived an early drop)
- Ravindra Jadeja: 77 runs (crucial resistance)
- Akash Deep: 27* off 33 balls (heroic counterattack)
- Jasprit Bumrah: 10* runs (steady support)
- Pat Cummins: 3 wickets (leading Australia’s attack)
Looking Ahead
India’s resilient fightback, particularly from their tailenders, has shifted the dynamics of the match. With Australia forced to bat again and Hazlewood ruled out, the hosts now face an uphill task to take 10 wickets on the final day.
The rain-marred contest remains finely poised, but India will take pride in their lower order’s ability to salvage a result from what appeared to be a losing position.
