Delve into the details of Jasprit Bumrah’s heroic 6/76, a standout achievement overshadowed by India’s struggles during a challenging match at the Gabba.
Introduction:
In a stop-start day at the Gabba which saw rain interruptions disrupt play eight times, Australia took charge of the third Test against India, leaving the visitors reeling at 51 for 4 by stumps. Despite the weather, Australia’s bowlers capitalized on their height, home conditions, and the Gabba’s bounce to rip through India’s top order after extending their first-innings total to a commanding 445.
With two days left, and rain forecasted, India face a tough task to prevent the follow-on and level the series, as they are now trailing by 394 runs.
See also: Head and Smith Flourish, Bumrah Fights Back: Gabba Test Day 2
Morning Flourish of Australia
Starting the day at 405 for 7, Australia’s tail added 40 valuable runs in 17.1 overs, bolstering their lead. Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with figures of 6 for 76, claimed his 50th Test wicket in Australia by dismissing Pat Cummins early in the day.
Alex Carey, who had resumed on 45, played with aggression once again and composed a fluent 70, including a majestic six over wide long-off off Akash Deep. The debutant bowler finally dismissed Carey, who was the last man out after inducing 53 false shots throughout the innings. See also: Maia Bouchier’s Dream 126 Lights Up Bloemfontein Test
Indian Top Order Stumbles
India’s innings got off to a shaky start. Mitchell Starc struck in the very first over, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for a second-ball duck as the opener flicked straight to Mitchell Marsh at square leg.
Starc continued to shine, sending Shubman Gill back in his second over with a delivery that lured the batter into a loose drive, resulting in another sharp catch by Marsh at gully.
See also: India Avoids Follow-On in Brisbane Day 4: A Tale of Resilience and Teamwork
India’s woes deepened as Virat Kohli’s struggles outside the off stump continued. Josh Hazlewood, introduced after Starc’s fiery start, drew an edge from Kohli with a wide delivery, leaving India at 20 for 3.
See also: Harleen Deol and Hayley Matthews Shine in India’s Series-Sealing 115 Run Victory
Rain breaks provided brief reprieves but also disrupted India’s rhythm, forcing batters to repeatedly reset against a fresh Australian pace attack.
Clinical Australia
Australia’s quicks-tall pacers well exploited the Gabba’s pitch and produced awkward bounce along with movement in the seam of the ball. Hazlewood first ball hitting KL Rahul wrist was an indication of those challenges.
Rishabh Pant soon followed. Cummins could exploit his tendency to play at all balls that were angled into him with an immaculate line and length. Rishabh Pant, playing out an uncertain defensive shot towards the vacant slip region, nicked through to Carey.
KL Rahul’s Resistance
Amid the carnage, KL Rahul showed remarkable application. Judging the fourth-stump line with precision and driving confidently when given opportunities, he offered some resistance with a patient 33 off 64 balls. Rahul’s three boundaries through the covers showcased his skill, though he sliced one shot uncomfortably over backward point.
At stumps, Rohit Sharma and Rahul stayed unbeaten. Rohit hasn’t scored yet from the 13 balls he faced. Their unbroken partnership will be decisive as India will look for 246 to avoid the follow-on.
Weather and Its Effect
It only delayed Australia’s push towards the victory but favored them a lot as their bowlers were fresh while India batters have to face hard conditions in those rains.
Now, according to the forecast, rain is expected in the remaining two days also. It might turn into a match of time then.
A SUMMARY
Australia
Mitchell Starc: Early strikes to send Jaiswal and Gill back.
Alex Carey: A crucial knock of 70 runs, which really consolidated Australia’s position.
Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins: Exploited conditions to the full, keeping India’s batters under pressure.
India
Jasprit Bumrah: Took six wickets, which included his 50th Test wicket in Australia.
KL Rahul: Gritted it out and was unbeaten as India fought their way.
Looking Ahead
The immediate task for India would be to reach the follow-on mark of 246. And with Rahul showing promise, and Rohit Sharma not yet settled, the visitors will require their senior players to come good.
For Australia, the key would be to continue their aggressive approach and exploit the conditions of the pitch. However, with rain threatening to cut short the play further, Tim Paine’s men might need to speed up their effort to ensure that they do get a result.
The fourth day will determine whether India can stage a fightback or if Australia will continue their dominance to inch closer to a series lead.