Explore the inspiring story of India’s cricket team as they avoid follow-on in Brisbane on Day 4, highlighting their resilience and teamwork in challenging conditions.
Introduction:
Day four of the third Test at the Gabba witnessed the Indian team display extraordinary resilience, holding their ground against the depleted but determined bowling attack by Australia. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy still on the line, India’s lower-order fightback, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, turned a near-collapse into an unforgettable day of cricket. See also: Jasprit Bumrah’s Heroic 6/76 Overshadowed as India Crumbles at the Gabba
The Scene Set: India’s Mission to Avoid the Follow-On
India came into the day under massive pressure, being behind by 246 runs. Josh Hazlewood, who was nursing a calf strain, further increased the burden on Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who bowled 60% of the 74.5 overs India faced. Drama was added by Hazlewood’s injury, but there was little chance that Cummins was going to not strike early.
See also: Tim Southee Retires with a Victory as New Zealand Crush England by 423 Runs
KL Rahul, who was dropped off the very first ball by Steven Smith at second slip, capitalized on his lifeline. His composed 84 laid a foundation, and Ravindra Jadeja’s assured 77 brought calmness to a chaotic day.
Cummins’ Early Strike Puts India on the Backfoot
Cummins made his presence felt with a stunning one-two against Rohit Sharma. A short ball left Rohit unsettled, followed by a full delivery that induced an edge to the keeper. When India were at 74/4, they hovered on the edge of collapse.
However, Jadeja’s arrival did alter the rhythm. The all-rounder, whose control percentage was in the mid-90s, played a well-organized game plan, using the old ball and the Gabba pitch’s reduced seam movement to his advantage.
Rahul and Jadeja Steady the Ship
Rahul and Jadeja, showing India’s intention for sure, added 67 together as a partnership. Rahul played superb drives off the balls delivered off the off-stump region, while Jadeja used sweeps and well-precision footwork in answering back to Lyon’s short deliveries.
Smith, however, redeemed his previous drop with a one-handed diving catch to send Rahul packing, and thus India’s run flow was halted. Thus, India needed another 105 runs to avoid follow-on, and the task was on the lower order’s shoulders.
Reddy and Jadeja Show Fight, but Australia Keeps Pressing
Nitish Kumar Reddy continued his stellar series with a mature 33, partnering with Jadeja for a vital 53-run stand. Unlike his aggressive nature, Reddy showed his defensive skills, frustrating the Australian bowlers. Cummins, however, broke through with a well-placed delivery, dismissing Reddy via an inside edge.
India’s hopes rested on Jadeja, but as the partnership with the tail developed, Starc dismissed him with a cleverly directed bouncer. At 213/9, Australia seemed poised for a follow-on enforcement.
Bumrah and Akash Deep: Heroes in the Shadows
In came Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, producing a last-wicket partnership that will be remembered for years. The duo showed incredible composure and determination, batting with a control percentage of 86 and 90, respectively.
Bumrah hooked Cummins for a six and was solid himself, scoring 10 off 27 balls, but Akash Deep stole the show. His quick 27 off 31 balls, with two fours and a towering six, shifted the game’s momentum. His audacious slash over gully and a thunderous six over long-on off Cummins ensured India crossed the magic follow-on mark of 246.
Bad Light Halts Play, But India Holds the Advantage
The umpires declared that the day’s play was going to be called off because of bad light, just a few balls after Akash hit his six. Only 57.5 overs were bowled in a stop-start day, which gave Australia’s exhausted attack some much-needed relief and also reduced the time they had to go for the win.
Australia’s Lost Chances and Steely Resolve
For Australia, it was a day with mixed emotions. Pat Cummins, leading the attack without Hazlewood, bowled with incredible discipline, picked up four wickets and created opportunities throughout the day. Mitchell Starc came in with three wickets. Their efforts were short of how to prevent India from being bailed out.
Smith’s dropped catch off the first ball and missed chances underlined Australia’s frustration. At the same time, however, they did fight with all their might, till Cummins and Starc were bowling on fumes by the end.
Stakes Ahead: Final Day Drama
It all hangs in balance with only one day left for the match. Australia, on the other hand, relies on the quick wickets and swift scoring in the second innings to force a result. India will be trying to save the match while saving the series and go into the final Test at a psychological high.
This day at the Gabba was a testament to the unpredictable beauty of Test cricket, where moments of brilliance and resilience can turn the tide. Bumrah and Akash Deep’s heroic stand exemplified India’s fighting spirit, proving once again why cricket is more than just a game in this part of the world.