India’s fightback on Day 4 of the third Test in Brisbane was nothing short of heroic. While the team may not win this match, their efforts were a testament to their resilience, and the Indian dressing room witnessed some of the most thrilling moments of the day. From the unexpected contributions of Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah to the intense reactions of Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli, it was a day that lifted the spirits of the entire team.
Akash Deep & Bumrah Saved this team 😭 pic.twitter.com/zwrb9Dw03m
— Nisarg Prajapati (@TechyNisarg) December 17, 2024The Challenge of Avoiding the Follow-On
India started the day with a daunting task ahead of them, having been reduced to 51/4 on Day 3. The biggest question on everyone’s mind was whether India could avoid the follow-on. A collapse seemed imminent, and when the ninth wicket fell for 213 runs, India was still 33 runs short of the follow-on mark of 246. At that point, the chances of survival seemed slim, and the game appeared headed in one direction: Australia’s dominance. But what followed was a remarkable display of determination from two unlikely heroes.
Bumrah and Akash Deep Rise to the Occasion
The fightback was spearheaded by pacer Jasprit Bumrah, whose batting skills were widely questioned by a reporter just hours before the match. Bumrah, however, responded in the best way possible by holding his ground and finishing unbeaten on 10 from 27 balls. Yet, the biggest surprise came from his partner at the other end—Akash Deep. The young bowler, with minimal expectations on his batting, stepped up to score a crucial 27 off 31 balls. The duo’s partnership of 39 runs in 54 balls saw India surpass the follow-on mark and build a glimmer of hope in a match that seemed lost.
A Memorable Indian Dressing Room Celebration
As the duo edged closer to the 246-run mark, the mood in the Indian dressing room shifted from tension to jubilation. It was a moment of pure joy when Bumrah swatted a six off Pat Cummins, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Akash, too, found his groove, striking the ball with authority. The pair ran between the wickets with remarkable efficiency, gradually closing in on the target. With just four runs required to avoid the follow-on, Akash Deep delivered the final blow, slashing a boundary over the slip cordon. The Indian dressing room erupted in ecstasy, with head coach Gautam Gambhir leaping out of his seat to celebrate the achievement.
Virat Kohli, ever the enthusiast, joined in the celebrations with his trademark high-fives. But that wasn’t the end of the drama. Akash Deep then took it a step further, launching Cummins over long-on for a massive six, sending Kohli’s eyes wide with admiration. The Indian team was in rapture as the match was halted due to bad light, and soon after, play was called off. With that, India had successfully avoided the follow-on, a feat that felt as good as a victory in itself.
Jadeja and Rahul Set the Stage for a Fightback
Before Bumrah and Akash’s heroics, India had already shown some signs of resistance, thanks to Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul. The duo had fought hard to give India a fighting chance. With captain Rohit Sharma dismissed for just 10, Jadeja and Rahul added 67 runs for the fifth wicket, a crucial partnership that helped India regain some composure. However, Rahul’s journey wasn’t without its scares. After starting the day on 33, he edged the first ball of the day to Steve Smith at second slip, who uncharacteristically dropped a sitter. Rahul capitalized on the opportunity and went on to score a gritty half-century.
Jadeja, playing his first Test of the series, was in sublime form. The world’s No. 1 all-rounder demonstrated his class by scoring a composed 77 runs, including seven boundaries and a six. Jadeja’s knock was a vital contribution to India’s survival on Day 4, and his partnership with Rahul was one of the few bright spots of an otherwise challenging innings.
India’s Resilience in the Face of Adversity
While India still trails by 193 runs in the match, their performance on Day 4 has been a testament to their fortitude and fighting spirit. For the first time since their historic victory in Perth, India showed real character in the face of adversity. The efforts of Bumrah and Akash Deep have given the team a lifeline, and with rain expected to play a role in the coming sessions, there is now a realistic chance that India could secure a draw from this match.
As the game moves into its final stages, the Indian team remains upbeat, with a sense of optimism and pride in their efforts. They are now more than likely to head to Melbourne, level with Australia at 1-1 in the series, and with a renewed sense of confidence. Regardless of what happens next, India’s performance on Day 4 of the third Test has shown that they are never out of the fight.
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