3rd Test: Akash Deep and Bumrah Prevent Follow-On for India on Rain-Impacted Day 4
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Brisbane, Dec 17 (NationPress) The captivating alliance between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep for the 10th wicket stood out on Day 4 as they rescued India from follow-on, finishing the day at 252/9 in 74.5 overs during the third Test against Australia on Tuesday.
In the last session of the day, India found themselves in a precarious position after the dismissal of Ravindra Jadeja (77), trailing by 33 runs from the follow-on target. Akash entered the scene alongside his senior bowling partner, crafting a memorable innings as the duo formed an unbeaten 39-run partnership off 51 balls, frustrating the Australian team on this rain-affected day.
Making his debut on foreign soil, Akash showed exceptional resolve and tenacity against Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins in the final session. With Bumrah at the other end, Akash played with caution and even struck Starc for a boundary. Earlier, Bumrah had also hit a six off Cummins over fine leg.
In the last over of the session, Akash edged a boundary over gully off Cummins to evade the follow-on, a moment celebrated by the Indian dressing room and fans alike. Following this, he boldly launched a six over midwicket, leaving Virat Kohli and others in awe.
Akash concluded the day unbeaten on 27 off 31 balls, while Bumrah remained not out on 10 runs as play was halted early due to poor light. India continues to trail by 193 runs, with the match outcome hinging on weather conditions for Wednesday.
Earlier, Jadeja's composed half-century helped India reach 201/7 at tea during the rain-interrupted second session. India lost Nitish Kumar Reddy (16) and scored 34 runs in 13.2 overs of a curtailed session, with rain interruptions benefiting the touring side since Day 4 commenced.
After lunch, Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy successfully countered the Australian pace attack of Cummins and Starc, while Josh Hazlewood was limited to just one over due to a calf injury. The pair built a 53-run partnership before Cummins dismissed Reddy with an inside edge.
In the day’s opening session, Australia clinched two critical wickets, dismissing Rohit Sharma (10) and Rahul (84), while India added 116 runs in an extended session that featured 32 overs, despite a brief rain interruption.
Australia had a rocky start when Steve Smith dropped Rahul on the very first ball of the day at second slip off Cummins. Rahul, who was on 33 at that moment, went on to score 51 more runs before Smith finally redeemed himself at first slip off Nathan Lyon.
Starting the day at an overnight score of 51/4, India urgently required someone to showcase resilience. Rahul rose to the occasion, appearing as a class apart from his teammates. The Australians set an aggressive field with three slips and a gully, creating gaps in the covers and point region, tempting Rahul to play his signature drives. However, he wisely resisted the urge, only opting for the shot when the bowlers delivered the ball into his driving zone, achieving his second half-century of the series.
For Australia, Cummins and Starc took seven wickets collectively, while Lyon and Hazlewood shared one wicket each.
Brief scores: India 252/9 in 74.5 overs (KL Rahul 84, Ravindra Jadeja 77; Pat Cummins 4-80, Mitchell Starc 3-83) trail Australia 445 (Travis Head 152, Steve Smith 101; Jasprit Bumrah 6-76) by 193 runs.
