Brisbane, Australia – Resilient half-centuries from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, combined with a gritty display from tail-enders Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, helped India avoid the follow-on against Australia on a rain-affected Day 3 of the third Test in Brisbane. At stumps, India stood at 252/9, trailing Australia by 193 runs.
Late Fightback by Bumrah and Akash Deep
India started the final session at 201/7 with Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj at the crease. The team faced an immediate setback when Mitchell Starc dismissed Siraj for just one run with a sharp delivery that wicketkeeper Alex Carey caught brilliantly. Shortly after, Jadeja, who had been the cornerstone of India’s innings, fell for 77 off 123 balls, holing out to Mitchell Marsh at deep mid-wicket. At 213/9, India looked set to concede the follow-on.
However, a remarkable partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and debutant Akash Deep thwarted Australia’s plans. Akash played with surprising confidence, hitting an unbeaten 27 off 31 balls, including a towering six. Bumrah provided solid support with 10 not out. Together, the duo added 39 crucial runs and ensured India crossed the 246-run mark to avoid the follow-on. Their efforts left the Indian dressing room jubilant as the day ended with India still fighting.
Rain Interruptions and Jadeja’s Grit
Earlier in the day, rain dominated much of the second session, allowing limited play. Before the interruption, Jadeja and Nitish tried to steady the ship after the dismissal of KL Rahul. Nitish showed uncharacteristic restraint but eventually chopped a delivery from Pat Cummins onto his stumps.
Jadeja, however, continued to demonstrate his class, bringing up his fifty with a trademark sword celebration. He batted valiantly, hitting seven fours and a six before an ambitious shot led to his dismissal.
KL Rahul Leads the Top Order
India began the day with KL Rahul and skipper Rohit Sharma at the crease. Rahul had an early slice of luck when Steve Smith dropped a regulation catch at second slip off the first ball of the day. Taking full advantage, Rahul played some exquisite cover drives to relieve the pressure on India.
Rohit, on the other hand, adopted a more cautious approach but fell for 10, edging a delivery from Pat Cummins to Alex Carey. Despite the captain’s dismissal, Rahul carried on, notching up his 17th Test fifty. He kept the scoreboard ticking until a sharp catch by Smith off Nathan Lyon ended his innings at 84.
Injury Concerns for Australia
Australia had their share of worries when Josh Hazlewood left the field with a suspected calf injury after the drinks break. With Hazlewood out, India capitalized by adding quick runs before rain interrupted the session.
Looking Ahead
At the close of Day 3, India trails by 193 runs, but their spirited performance has given them a fighting chance. With rain expected on Day 4, the focus will remain on salvaging a draw and keeping the series alive.
Brief Scores:
Australia: 445 all out
India: 252/9 (KL Rahul 84, Ravindra Jadeja 77, Akash Deep 27*; Mitchell Starc 3/68)
