Australia will face rain in the remaining day of the third Test at the Gabba after dominating the opening three days despite only bowling 134 overs. After Rohit Sharma elected to bowl first, Australia scored 445 runs despite Jasprit Bumrah’s stunning six-wicket haul. Travis Head recorded his second consecutive century, while Steve Smith broke a 25-month drought with a century in the longest format.
Mitchell Starc’s first two overs with the ball cost India the wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. Virat Kohli edged a Josh Hazlewood delivery after scoring three runs, while Pat Cummins claimed Rishabh Pant’s wicket. On the fourth day morning, Australia reduced India to 74/5, and skipper Rohit Sharma departed. However, KL Rahul (84) and Ravindra Jadeja (77) helped India surpass 140. Nitish Kumar Reddy also maintained some composure but to no effect.
India eventually dropped to 213/9. Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah made a crucial final-wicket stand to prevent the follow-on. A roar erupted from the dressing room as Virat Kohli and coach Gautam Gambhir exchanged high-fives after India nearly escaped a follow-on against Australia thanks to a tenacious partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep in the Gabba Test. Akash Deep, India’s No. 10 batter, faced Cummins under tough conditions.
India Clings to Hope
Cummins gave a short ball outside off, and Akash launched his bat at it while remaining leg-side. The ball took a thick outside edge and flew over the gully before racing to the boundary. That shot not only propelled India past the follow-on mark but also raised the morale of the entire Indian team. On the other end, Jasprit Bumrah remained composed, ensuring that India did not lose any more wickets.
Together, the duo’s stand frustrated the Australian bowlers while also instilling confidence in the Indian side that the fight was far from over. The Gabba, renowned for its harsh conditions, once again hosted high-octane cricket. With India avoiding the follow-on, the match is poised for an interesting climax, as the visitors want to reverse the tide in their favour. India will again come to bat on Day 5 with the two still not out. Bumrah is batting at 10 and Deep is batting at 27.
