Watch: Virat Kohli, Gambhir celebrate as Akash-Bumrah help India avoid follow-on

A thunderous roar erupted from the dressing room as Virat Kohli and coach Gautam Gambhir exchanged high-fives after India narrowly avoided the follow-on against Australia thanks to a resilient partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep in the Gabba Test.

Bumrah and Akash showed remarkable resilience and frustrated the Australian pacers with an unbeaten 39-run partnership for the 10th wicket. This gritty stand helped India surpass the follow-on score of 246 on Day 4 of the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Under immense pressure, the two tail-ends demonstrated composure and technical skills, ensuring India ended the day on 252/9.

Their crucial partnership not only saved India from batting again but also set the stage for a potential draw on the final day. Poor light halted play late in the day and with more wet weather forecast for Wednesday, a draw looks almost inevitable. After four days of play, India trail Australia by 193 runs, with the hosts posting an impressive 445 in their first innings.

Earlier in the day, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja laid a strong foundation for India with impressive half-centuries and added 67 runs for the sixth wicket. Jadeja then combined forces with Nitish Reddy for another valuable stand before the lower order took over. Bumrah and Akash Deep’s late defiance made the Australian bowlers work relentlessly and kept India in the game as the light faded.

Gabba Test Day 4: Highlights | Scorecard

The late surge in tail-end runs forced Australia to bat again, virtually guaranteeing a draw barring any dramatic developments on the final day. With the five-match series level at 1-1, the Brisbane Test was billed as a crucial contest, but persistent rain has dampened its significance. Weather interruptions, including eight stoppages on Day 3 and several delays on Day 4, have severely limited play. Cricket Australia even refunded tickets for the opening day, where only 13 overs were bowled.

KL Rahul was the standout player for India, top scoring with 84 runs before he was dismissed by Nathan Lyon, caught by Steve Smith. Rain and poor light have defined this Test, with Tuesday seeing repeated delays – first in the morning, then after lunch and finally after just two overs of play in the afternoon. Poor light eventually brought the day’s proceedings to an early end.

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