Published: December 17, 2024
Brisbane, Australia: On a day heavily affected by rain and bad light, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja stood tall in a valiant effort to help India avoid the follow-on in the ongoing third Test against Australia at the Gabba. Their gritty half-centuries, alongside determined contributions from tailenders Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, lifted India to 252 for nine at the close of play, trailing Australia by 193 runs.
Jadeja and Rahul Lead the Fightback
With India in a precarious position at 51 for four on Day 4, the pressure was on for a strong fightback. Rahul (84 off 139 balls, 8×4) and Jadeja (77 off 123 balls, 7×4, 1×6) rose to the challenge, holding firm against the Australian bowlers. Their 67-run partnership for the sixth wicket was the first real sign of India’s resistance after a difficult start to the day.
Rahul, India’s top performer in the series, displayed exceptional technical skills and patience. Despite early discomfort, including a lucky reprieve when Steve Smith dropped a regulation catch off Pat Cummins, Rahul capitalized on the opportunity, going on to notch his 17th Test fifty. His solid defense and selective aggression, especially through the covers and point region, were key to India’s survival on a challenging day.
Jadeja, too, demonstrated his resilience with a fighting fifty, his 22nd in Test cricket. His sweep shots against Nathan Lyon and quick rotations of the strike kept India afloat. Jadeja was particularly effective in keeping the scoreboard ticking, scoring the bulk of his runs either down the ground or square of the wicket.
Tailenders Step Up
When India was reduced to 213 for nine, the fight seemed over. But Bumrah and Akash Deep showed remarkable composure and resilience to help India surpass the follow-on mark of 246. Akash Deep’s confident boundary off Pat Cummins marked a moment of jubilation as the pair added 39 valuable runs to the total.
Bumrah’s contribution was equally important, and despite some tense moments, he stood firm with Akash Deep to hold off Australia’s charge. The absence of Josh Hazlewood, due to injury, was sorely felt by the Australians as the pace attack lacked the consistency that Hazlewood typically provides.
Weather Woes and the Road Ahead
With the Brisbane weather continuing to play havoc, a thunderstorm or two is expected on Wednesday, December 18, the final day of the Test. The rain-soaked conditions, combined with a challenging pitch and Australia’s dominant first-innings total of 445, make a result unlikely in the remaining sessions. However, India will be encouraged by their fighting spirit and the prospect of making Australia bat again.
India’s Road to Survival
As India remains 193 runs behind, the possibility of a draw is the most likely outcome, provided rain and bad light don’t intervene further. The onus will be on the Indian batsmen to show resilience and patience as the game heads into its final stages. The tailenders, who have shown tremendous fight today, could once again prove crucial in helping India salvage a draw from this weather-affected Test match.
Stay tuned to Board of Sports in India (BOSI) for live updates and analysis of this thrilling encounter.
