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India vs Australia 3rd Test Day 4 Highlights: Bumrah and Akash Deep Avoid Follow-On
Team Finance Saathi
17/Dec/2024
What's covered under the Article:
- India’s lower order, led by Bumrah and Akash Deep, avoids the follow-on with a valiant stand on Day 4.
- Pat Cummins dismisses Ravindra Jadeja, while Mitchell Starc removes Mohammed Siraj to keep Australia on top.
- Rain interruptions add drama, but India’s fight continues as they avoid defeat in the 3rd Test at the Gabba.
The 3rd Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane continued to be a tense affair on Day 4, with India's lower order showing resilience to avoid the follow-on after a challenging battle against the Australian bowlers. Despite multiple rain interruptions and an impressive display of bowling from Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, India managed to fight back and avoid a potential disaster.
Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah's Crucial Stand
With India at 201/7, still 45 runs away from avoiding the follow-on, the final hour of the day saw Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah put on an unbeaten 39-run partnership, defying the Australian bowlers. Their efforts were crucial in ensuring that India would not be forced to follow on, giving the team a glimmer of hope going into the final day. The partnership was highlighted by Akash Deep's stunning boundary off Pat Cummins, which lifted the spirits of the Indian dressing room as they avoided the follow-on.
The final hour also saw Pat Cummins dismiss Ravindra Jadeja for a well-made 77, leaving India still facing a tough task ahead. However, the resistance from the lower order provided India with an opportunity to regroup.
Australia's Progress and Key Breakthroughs
Earlier in the day, Australia's bowlers continued to be relentless, with Mitchell Starc removing Mohammed Siraj in the first over after Tea. The dismissal of Siraj followed a well-structured plan from Pat Cummins, who dismissed Ravindra Jadeja at the start of the final hour. Jadeja, who had been impressive with the bat, eventually fell after a brief but valuable partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy (67 runs off 115 balls). Jadeja had earlier brought out his signature sword celebration after scoring his 22nd Test fifty, marking a significant contribution to India’s lower-order resistance.
Rain Interruptions and Delays
The day was heavily affected by rain, with multiple breaks in play. The second session saw an early Tea break after just a few overs of play, leaving India at 201/7, needing 45 more runs to avoid the follow-on. The persistent rain also delayed the start of the second session, forcing interruptions that ultimately made for a stop-start day. Despite these delays, the Indian players showed determination, with KL Rahul leading the charge with a crucial knock of 94 runs off 139 balls before falling to Nathan Lyon.
KL Rahul's Valiant Knock
KL Rahul played a resilient innings on Day 4, despite being dropped early by Steve Smith off Pat Cummins’ bowling. Rahul's performance was one of the few bright spots for India in an otherwise tough day. His half-century came in 85 balls, and the partnership between him and Ravindra Jadeja added 67 runs, briefly bringing India back into the contest. However, his brilliant knock was cut short by Lyon, with Steve Smith pulling off a spectacular catch to dismiss him.
India’s Batting Struggles and Australia’s Dominance
At 51/4 on Day 3, India’s batting had already been under pressure, with key players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli all dismissed cheaply. The batting order was in disarray as India faced a massive deficit of 394 runs behind Australia’s total of 445. With KL Rahul showing fight, it was clear that India’s chances of avoiding defeat rested heavily on his and Rohit Sharma's shoulders.
Australia's bowlers, especially Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, capitalized on India’s batting frailties, with Hazlewood setting up Virat Kohli’s wicket beautifully. India's top-order collapse, coupled with a lack of partnerships, left them with a challenging task ahead to avoid an innings defeat.
Looking Ahead
With India still trailing by 194 runs, Australia will be looking to wrap up the game quickly on Day 5. They need just one more wicket to force the follow-on, and with the Indian top-order already under pressure, they will look to exploit weaknesses in Rohit Sharma's game against pace.
However, India’s lower order, led by Jadeja, Bumrah, and Akash Deep, has shown that they are not giving up without a fight. India will need to rely on the experience of Rahul and Rohit to counter Australia’s bowling attack and extend their innings as long as possible. If they can manage to draw the match, it will provide them with a much-needed morale boost heading into the next Test at the MCG.
In a Test match that has seen both sides endure frustrations due to rain interruptions and batting collapses, India’s main focus will be on survival, with a draw now looking like their best possible outcome after the early setbacks. The final day promises more action, with Australia still seeking the last wicket to complete a commanding performance.