Australia’s hopes of a decisive victory in the Gabba Test against India have dimmed after the visitors narrowly avoided the follow-on, thanks to a remarkable last-wicket partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep. The duo’s unbeaten stand of 39 runs helped India surpass the 246-run follow-on mark, ensuring that Australia will have to bat again on the final day.
With inclement weather predicted for Day 5, a draw now appears to be the most likely outcome in a rain-hit match where significant time has already been lost.
Bumrah and Akash Deep’s Heroics Keep India Alive
India’s lower order displayed immense grit on Day 4 as Bumrah and debutant Akash Deep frustrated the Australian bowlers after Ravindra Jadeja’s dismissal. The two stitched together a defiant partnership that not only denied Australia the chance to enforce the follow-on for the first time in 23 years but also kept the game hanging in balance.
Speaking to the media after the day’s play, Australia’s bowling coach Daniel Vettori admitted that their plans to dominate the match were thwarted. “When Jadeja was dismissed, we felt we were close to forcing the follow-on. But Bumrah and Akash Deep batted with incredible resolve. Unfortunately, with all the time lost due to rain, it’s now very difficult to push for a result,” he said.
The Indian dressing room erupted in celebrations when Akash Deep lofted a boundary over gully to cross the follow-on mark. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, along with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, was seen clapping and cheering for the duo’s fighting effort.
Australia’s Missed Opportunity: Should They Have Declared Early?
Australia’s first-innings total of 445, built on the back of solid contributions from their top order, was a commanding score. However, some experts suggested that the hosts could have declared earlier to account for the unpredictable Brisbane weather.
Vettori defended the team’s decision to bat deep into Day 2, saying, “First-innings runs are crucial in a Test like this. You can’t always predict how the weather will play out. The plan was to maximize the first innings and rely on our quality bowling attack to deliver on a surface like this.”
India’s Middle-Order Resistance
India began Day 4 under pressure but saw a vital sixth-wicket partnership between KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. The pair added 67 runs, with Rahul scoring a gritty 84 and Jadeja contributing a counterattacking 77. Their partnership provided a glimmer of hope for the visitors, but Australia seemed on course to enforce the follow-on when Jadeja fell at 213/9.
However, Bumrah and Akash Deep had other ideas. Their determined stand ensured India would avoid following on and come out to bat again on Day 5. India closed the day at 252/9, still trailing Australia by 193 runs.
What Lies Ahead?
As the final day approaches, Australia will need to strategize carefully to push for a win in limited time. On the other hand, India’s focus will be on weathering the storm and salvaging a draw. With rain likely to disrupt proceedings again, the Test may end in a stalemate despite spirited efforts from both teams.
