Third Test: Jadeja's Determined Half-Century Pushes India to 201/7 at Tea on Day 4
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Brisbane, Dec 17 (NationPress) Ravindra Jadeja's determined half-century propelled India to 201/7 at tea on Day 4 of the third Test against Australia at the Gabba on Tuesday. The visiting team still requires 45 runs to evade the follow-on and lags by 244 runs.
However, the rain has been favoring the touring side with consistent interruptions since the beginning of play on Day 4. The second session, which was postponed due to rain, concluded shortly before its scheduled time, as rain compelled an early tea.
After lunch, Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy withstood the pressure and effectively countered Australian bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. The pair put together a 53-run partnership before Cummins managed to dislodge the bails with an inside edge from Reddy's bat in the second session.
India accumulated 34 runs in 13.2 overs of the shortened session while losing one wicket, with Jadeja remaining unbeaten on 65 and Mohammed Siraj on 1, as the pressure mounts on India to refrain from batting again today.
Upon resumption, Mitchell Starc struck promptly by dismissing Siraj, who fell victim to a thick edge caught behind, leaving India struggling at 201/8.
Earlier in the day’s opening session, Australia claimed two vital wickets of Rohit Sharma (10) and Rahul (84) while India added 116 runs in the extended opening session, which featured 32 overs despite a brief rain delay.
It wasn't an ideal start for Australia as Steve Smith dropped Rahul on the first ball of the day at the second slip off Cummins. Rahul, who was on 33 at that time, added 51 more runs to his score before Smith finally redeemed himself at first slip off Nathan Lyon.
Starting from an overnight score of 51/4, India urgently needed someone to step up and show resilience. Rahul rose to the occasion and appeared to be a class above 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 execute his signature drives. However, he wisely resisted the temptation, opting for the shot only when the bowlers delivered the ball firmly into his driving zone. He marked his second half-century of the series.
Brief scores: India 201/7 in 62.2 overs (KL Rahul 84, Ravindra Jadeja 65 not out; Pat Cummins 3-49) trailing Australia 445 (Travis Head 152, Steve Smith 101; Jasprit Bumrah 6-76) by 244 runs.
