India staged a remarkable fightback on Day 4 of the third Test against Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane, as Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep combined in a resilient last-wicket stand to help India avoid the follow-on. The pair’s unbroken 39-run partnership ensured India finished the day at 252/9, trailing Australia by 193 runs.
Bumrah-Akash Deep Heroics
India’s last-wicket pair displayed tremendous composure under pressure. Akash Deep played a crucial cameo, scoring a quickfire 27 runs off 31 balls, including two boundaries, while Jasprit Bumrah’s dogged 10 runs off 27 deliveries proved equally vital. The defining moment came when Akash Deep struck a brilliant six off Pat Cummins, followed by a crucial boundary that helped India cross the follow-on mark of 246 runs. The dressing room erupted in celebrations, with Virat Kohli’s animated reaction capturing the significance of the moment.
Jadeja and Rahul Set the Foundation
India’s resistance began earlier in the innings, courtesy of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, who laid the groundwork after a shaky start.
- Jadeja played a gritty knock of 77 off 123 balls, combining defense and aggression to keep India in the game.
- KL Rahul, after an early reprieve, fought valiantly to score 84 runs. His partnership with Jadeja was crucial, as they steadied the innings after India was reeling at 74/5.
Despite their efforts, wickets continued to tumble, with Australia looking poised to enforce the follow-on before the late heroics from Akash Deep and Bumrah.
Australia’s Bowling Dominance
Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, delivering a fiery spell to finish with figures of 4/80 in 20.5 overs. He consistently troubled the Indian batters with pace and precision. Nathan Lyon, Australia’s premier spinner, supported well with figures of 1/54 in 21 overs, maintaining pressure through tight lines. Mitchell Marsh and other seamers also kept the Indian middle-order in check.
Key Turning Point
India’s resilience in the final session, particularly the last-wicket stand, proved pivotal in denying Australia the advantage of enforcing the follow-on. Akash Deep’s fearless six and boundary off Cummins were celebrated not only on the field but also in the dressing room, where Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and others could be seen applauding and cheering passionately.
Summary
- India 252/9 (74.5 overs) | Trail by 193 runs
- Akash Deep: 27* (31)
- Jasprit Bumrah: 10* (27)
- Ravindra Jadeja: 77 (123)
- KL Rahul: 84 (—)
- Pat Cummins: 4/80
- Nathan Lyon: 1/54
With bad light forcing an early end to play, India will look to build on this momentum as Australia now faces the task of batting again. Avoiding the follow-on gives India a fighting chance to push for a draw on the final day.