In the ongoing third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep displayed remarkable resilience to help India avoid the follow-on on the fourth day of play.
The Indian team found themselves in a precarious situation at 213 for 9, needing to reach 246 runs to avoid batting again. Bumrah and Deep formed an unbeaten partnership, contributing 39 crucial runs together, which allowed India to finish the day at 252 for 9 before bad light halted play.
India’s top order struggled significantly throughout the innings. They began Day 4 at a challenging score of 51 for 4, having lost captain Rohit Sharma early.
KL Rahul emerged as the standout performer with a gritty 84 runs off 139 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja added a valuable 50. Despite their efforts, the Indian batting lineup faltered against Australia’s potent pace attack, with key players like Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli falling cheaply.
Australia had set a daunting first-innings total of 445 runs, bolstered by centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith, along with a brisk 70 from wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
The Australian bowlers exploited the conditions effectively, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood taking early wickets that put India under immense pressure.
The match has also been significantly affected by rain, leading to multiple stoppages and limiting playtime.
On Day 3 alone, only 33 overs were bowled due to interruptions caused by rain. The weather forecast suggests continued rain for the remaining days of the Test, which could impact Australia’s chances of enforcing a follow-on if they manage to dismiss India quickly.
As the match progresses into its final day, India still trails by 193 runs. The outcome remains uncertain as both teams strategize their next moves amid unpredictable weather conditions.
Australia’s bowlers will be eager to wrap up India’s innings quickly to capitalize on their first-innings lead and push for a series lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
