The fourth day of the third Test at the Gabba witnessed dramatic scenes as the Indian dressing room erupted in jubilant celebrations after narrowly avoiding the follow-on. Akash Deep’s crucial boundary off Pat Cummins ensured India reached the magical 246-run mark, sparking animated reactions from captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and star batter Virat Kohli, who cheered and exchanged high-fives in the pavilion.
Australia Taken Aback by India’s Reactions
Australia’s veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon revealed that the Indian team’s exuberance had sparked discussions in the Australian camp. Speaking to Fox Cricket, Lyon said, “A few of us talked about it after play and were surprised by their reactions. We’ve driven this game into the position we’re in, and we’re extremely proud of how we’ve played. Their celebrations perhaps reflect how much that moment meant to them.”
Lyon also hinted that India’s behavior might signal their confidence in the match’s direction. “I honestly feel like there’s still a lot of cricket left in this game,” he added.
A Historic Partnership to Save the Follow-On
India’s fate seemed sealed after Ravindra Jadeja fell for a brilliant 77, leaving the visitors still 33 runs short of avoiding the follow-on with just one wicket remaining. However, the unlikely duo of Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah defied the odds with a gritty last-wicket stand. The partnership not only frustrated the Australian bowlers but also marked India’s highest last-wicket stand in Australia in over three decades.
When Akash Deep finally steered a Cummins delivery over the gully for a boundary to save the follow-on, the Indian camp erupted with unrestrained joy. A few balls later, Deep further fueled the celebrations with a towering six. The pair received a thunderous ovation upon their return to the dressing room after stumps were called.
Lyon Questions India’s Approach
Nathan Lyon suggested that India’s top order may have been unwilling to bat under the fading light. “It looked like their top order didn’t want to bat if we enforced the follow-on,” Lyon remarked.
Lyon also acknowledged the challenges Australia faced in enforcing the follow-on, especially after losing pacer Josh Hazlewood early on Day 4 due to a calf strain. “With Josh out, it became difficult to push for the follow-on. Mitch [Starc] and Pat [Cummins] have been phenomenal for years, but losing Josh was a significant setback,” Lyon admitted.
Hazlewood Ruled Out of Series
The Australian team later confirmed that Hazlewood had sustained a right calf strain and would miss the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His absence adds to Australia’s challenges in maintaining their momentum in the tightly contested series.
Despite the setbacks, the Gabba Test continues to hang in the balance, promising an exciting finish as both teams battle for supremacy.
