Brisbane: India found themselves in a fierce battle for survival on Day 4 against Australia, but a spirited last-wicket stand between Akash Deep (27 not out) and Jasprit Bumrah (10 not out) ensured the hosts avoided the follow-on, finishing at 252/9 in their first innings, trailing the visitors by 193 runs at The Gabba on Tuesday.
The duo’s unbroken 39-run partnership under immense pressure brought relief and celebration to the Indian camp, shifting the momentum just as Australia were poised to tighten their grip. A thick outside edge for four off Pat Cummins, who bowled his heart out for figures of 4/80, sealed the crucial milestone.
The highlight of Akash Deep’s innings came when he launched a stunning six over mid-wicket off Cummins, a moment that drew applause even from Virat Kohli in the dressing room.
Australia’s bowlers, visibly fatigued after relentless effort, were left frustrated as fading light and India’s last pair defied them. Cummins, who toiled through 20.5 overs, looked exhausted, while Mitchell Starc (3/83) also ran out of steam after threatening India with sharp spells earlier in the day.
India’s innings had begun in dire straits, resuming at a precarious 51/4. KL Rahul led the resistance at the top, displaying immense resilience and class to score a vital 84 off 139 balls, with eight boundaries. Rahul’s departure, however, came as a blow when he edged Nathan Lyon to slip, leaving India once again in trouble.
Ravindra Jadeja then emerged as India’s lone warrior in the middle order, mixing aggression with composure. He struck a counter-attacking 77 off 123 deliveries, laced with seven boundaries and a six, before succumbing to Cummins’ short-ball strategy, caught by Mitchell Marsh at deep mid-wicket.
The lower order crumbled under pressure, with Mohammed Siraj’s dismissal leaving India 45 runs adrift of the follow-on mark. At that point, the writing seemed on the wall. But Akash Deep and Bumrah had other ideas. Their gritty partnership not only avoided the follow-on but set the stage for an intriguing final day.
With the follow-on averted, Australia are now expected to bat for at least an hour on Day 5 to extend their lead, giving India an improbable target to chase. However, with weather forecasts suggesting possible disruptions, the tactical outlook for both sides remains uncertain. For India, the focus will be on grinding out a draw in challenging conditions, while Australia will aim to push for victory.
Brief scores: Day 4 Stumps: Australia 1st Innings: 445; India 1st Innings: 252/9 in 74.5 overs (KL Rahul 84, Ravindra Jadeja 77; Pat Cummins 4/80, Mitchell Starc 3/83).
UNI