India’s fight to avoid the follow-on and save the match was powered by remarkable batting performances from pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep.
A powerful shot from Akash Deep sailed over the gully, narrowly missing the fielder’s leap. Gautam Gambhir, watching in the dressing room, flinched as the ball could have been a catch, but the next moment, the Indian coach leapt with joy. Virat Kohli joined in the celebration, giving high-fives to Gambhir and shaking hands with captain Rohit Sharma. The dressing room was filled with elation.
It may have seemed like Akash Deep’s boundary won the match for India, but that shot was crucial in securing their escape from the follow-on. This achievement was even more significant because it meant India had a real chance to save the match. That’s why the celebrations were so intense.
When Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed after a stellar 77-run innings, India was in a tense situation, still needing 33 more runs to avoid the follow-on with just one wicket remaining. However, the final partnership between Bumrah and Akash Deep turned out to be as solid as any specialist batsman’s performance. With resilience and determination, they frustrated the Australians and steered India away from danger.
Australia could not break India’s final stand. Without a dramatic twist, the match was heading towards a draw unless there was a turnaround.
In the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, rain interruptions meant only 58 overs were played. Starting the day with 51/4, India ended Day 4 at 252/9, trailing by 193 runs. However, they managed to keep their position safe.
KL Rahul, who had missed the first two Tests, scored 84 runs, almost making a century. Jadeja contributed a crucial 77 runs, including 7 fours and a six. Bumrah and Akash Deep’s unbroken 39-run partnership ensured they ended the day with some momentum.
Australia struggled with injuries, as Josh Hazlewood couldn’t bowl after sustaining a muscle strain. Despite only having three specialist bowlers, the Australians maintained pressure on India. However, even with India on the brink of a follow-on, they couldn’t secure the final breakthrough.
Australia had a chance early on, but Steven Smith failed to hold onto a straightforward catch from Rahul. Pat Cummins did manage to dismiss Rohit Sharma, but Rahul reached fifty off 85 balls, his 17th half-century in Tests. He and Jadeja fought back with a 67-run partnership before Rahul was dismissed by Nathan Lyon’s stunning one-handed catch.
Jadeja, with his solid technique, reached his 22nd Test fifty in 82 balls, helping India stay afloat. Despite falling to Cummins later, Jadeja’s efforts kept India’s hopes of avoiding the follow-on alive.
Mitch Starc ended Mohammad Siraj’s stay, but Bumrah and Akash Deep showed real fight. Bumrah launched a six off Cummins, signaling that India wasn’t going down without a fight. Akash Deep dug in, and together, they slowly moved India toward safety. The match, hampered by rain, seemed to come back to life.
In the final tense moments, Bumrah and Akash Deep managed to hold off Australia, and Akash hit another massive six to seal India’s escape from the follow-on. The Indian dressing room erupted in joy once again.
Play was halted early due to bad light, with Bumrah on 10* off 27 balls and Akash Deep on 27* off 31 balls. India knew that the significance of the numbers was far greater than what it showed on the scoreboard.
Brief scorecard:
Australia 1st Innings: 455
India 1st Innings: 252/9 in 74.5 overs (previous day 51/4) (Rahul 84, Rohit 10, Jadeja 77, Nitish 16, Siraj 1, Bumrah 10*, Akash 27*; Stark 24-3-83-3, Hazlewood 6-2-22-1, Cummins 20.5-2-80-4, Lyon 21-0-54-1, Head 1-0-1-0, Marsh 2-0-6-0).
