Day 4 of the third Test in Brisbane saw Australia dominate play, but India was able to wriggle their way into a position where they should be able to achieve a draw.
On the last day of the Test match, Tuesday, December 17, India lost captain Rohit Sharma in the eighth over, which hindered their start. It was nearly a miracle for India to escape the follow-on after losing half their team for just 74 runs. In the middle, Ravindra Jadeja joined KL Rahul, and the two of them added 67 runs off 115 balls to raise the prospect of a comeback.
As Steve Smith made a spectacular one-handed catch off Nathan Lyon’s bowling, Rahul played a sophisticated knock before being out for 84. Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy combined 53 runs off 104 balls when Reddy joined him at the crease. While Jadeja carried the most of the partnership’s workload, Reddy maintained his cool and scored just 16 runs off 61 balls.
Following Reddy’s dismissal, Mohammed Siraj was elevated to No. 9 before Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah. When the final-wicket duo of Bumrah and Akash got together, he was unable to hold out for long, and Jadeja also fell for a solid 77 since India needed another 33 runs.
Australia would have felt secure in their ability to quickly end the Indian innings and enforce the follow-on. But Bumrah and Akash had different plans. They switched strikes and maintained composure to keep the scoreboard moving. In the end, the visitors ducked the follow-on, and Akash’s attempted cut shot flew over the gully fielder to find the boundary.
In celebration, the Bengal speedster smacked a huge six off Cummins over cow corner a few balls later. The umpires halted play because of poor light, and India’s first innings ended at 252/9. That no more play will be permitted on Day 4 was verified a little while later. India has just one day remaining and is 193 runs behind Australia’s first-inning total. The 39-run remarkable partnership between Akash and Bumrah has helped the visitors virtually guarantee a draw at the end of the game.
Cummins and Mitchell Starc, meanwhile, are particularly noteworthy because they each claimed four and three wickets. Josh Hazlewood was forced to leave the pitch after bowling only one over in the opening session due to a strained calf, which meant they had to take on more innings.
Meanwhile, here’s how the fans reacted to Day 4 of AUS vs India 3rd Test:
Akash Deep and Bumrah deserves a special applause. What a sensational effort 👏🇮🇳 #AUSvIND
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) December 17, 2024
India can think of dropping a batsman but not Jadeja. Unlike the top order, he didn’t play and miss. He looked the most comfortable Indian batsman here. India on this tour have failed to put their best playing XI on field. Hope it changes in the last two Tests. #AUSvIND
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 17, 2024
Phewwwww well done Bumrah & Akash 👏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 17, 2024
What a gutsy effort from Akashdeep and Bumrah! Showed tremendous application and resolve. Also ensured KL and Jadeja’s knocks earlier don’t go in vain. #AUSvIND
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 17, 2024
Akashdeep and leader Bumrah has avoided the follow on !
What a movement it was 😀😍#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/NyE9GL3Nfj— अनुज यादव 🇮🇳 (@Hello_anuj) December 17, 2024
This man is a truly a GOD gifted child,This man is greatest greatest ever not only for Indian cricket,The whole Cricketing world🫡#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/QwXxpvKWpo
— Saucy (@BasithSab) December 17, 2024
I AM ONLY BELIEVE ON JASSI BHAI AND AKASH BHAI 😭✊✊#INDvsAUS
— Deva⚔️ (@Notamaknae) December 17, 2024
India
