India might not emerge as winners in the third Test against Australia in Brisbane but their monumental effort on Day 4 has left fans and pundits alike celebrating their resilience. Faced with near-impossible odds, the team displayed immense determination, particularly through a remarkable last-wicket stand, ensuring Australia would bat again.
Resuming at 51/4 and with the threat of the follow-on looming large, India’s chances looked bleak. By the time their ninth wicket fell at 213, they were still 33 runs short of avoiding the follow-on. However, an inspired performance from the unlikely duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep turned the tide, helping India cross the 246-run mark and end the day at 252/9.
India’s hopes of avoiding the follow-on rested on Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, who put together an unbeaten 39-run partnership off just 54 balls. Bumrah, who faced criticism for his batting capabilities earlier in the match, delivered a defiant 10 off 27 balls. However, it was Akash Deep who stunned everyone with his confident 27 off 31 balls, including two towering sixes.
Jasprit Bumrah also smashed a six off Pat Cummins, energising the crowd and signaling India’s intent. Akash Deep played fearlessly, finding the middle of the bat consistently and slashing Cummins over the slip cordon for four to edge closer to the target. With just four runs needed to avoid the follow-on, Akash celebrated by launching Cummins deep over long-on, earning widespread admiration, even from Virat Kohli. As India avoided the follow on, the head coach Gautam Gambhir jumped out of his seat and Virat Kohli had high-fives with teammates.
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Bad light eventually ended play for the day but by then, India had ensured that Australia would bat again which is a significant psychological victory for the Indian team.
The foundation for India’s fight back was laid by KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja earlier in the day. Benefiting from a dropped catch by Steve Smith on the first ball of the day, KL Rahul notched up his second half-century of the series, playing with determination before falling for 84. Playing his first Test of the series, Ravindra Jadeja proved his worth as the world’s No. 1 all-rounder. His gritty 77, featuring seven boundaries and a six, was crucial in dragging India out of early trouble.
The duo’s 67-run partnership for the fifth wicket steadied the innings after captain Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal for just 10 runs.
With India still trailing by 193 runs, Australia is likely to bat again on Day 5, possibly using the opportunity to practice for the Boxing Day Test. However, with rain predicted and time running out, a draw now seems the most probable outcome – a result that would feel like a win for India, given their dire situation earlier in the match.
