Bowlers save India from follow on after Rahul, Jadeja efforts in 3rd Test vs Aus

 

Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep mounted a determined 10th-wicket partnership to help India narrowly avoid the follow-on on a tense  day four of the third Test in Brisbane on Tuesday. Their effort frustrated Australia, whose victory chances were further dented by Josh Hazlewood's injury.

India's lower-order resistance came after brave half-centuries from opener KL Rahul and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who played crucial roles in stabilizing the innings during another rain-hit day at the Gabba.

With shadows lengthening over the ground, Akash Deep edged Pat Cummins for a streaky boundary over gully to ensure India’s safety, sparking celebrations among teammates in the stands. Deep, unfazed, then launched Cummins for a six two deliveries later before blocking out the day to see India to 252 for nine at stumps.

Deep remained unbeaten on 27, with Bumrah holding firm on 10. The pair's 39-run stand ensured India trailed Australia by 193 runs but forced the hosts to bat again. This leaves Australia little time to dismiss India a second time and press for victory, especially with Hazlewood ruled out due to a calf injury.

India Battle Past Tough Moments

India resumed the session at 201 for seven, still needing 45 runs to avoid the follow-on. The task looked increasingly difficult when Ravindra Jadeja fell for a hard-fought 77, mistiming a pull shot off Cummins. Mitchell Marsh sprinted in from deep square leg to complete a fine, low catch.

Earlier, Mohammed Siraj’s dismissal for one—caught behind off Mitchell Starc—had left India’s hopes hanging by a thread. But with Hazlewood sidelined and Nathan Lyon struggling for impact, Cummins and Starc were unable to claim the final wicket before stumps.

Earlier KL Rahul and Jadeja provided  key resistance

KL Rahul, instrumental in India’s fight, rode his luck early on after Steve Smith dropped him on 33 at slip off Cummins off the very first ball of day 4 . Rahul made the most of the reprieve, scoring a composed 84 before Smith redeemed himself with a spectacular one-handed catch off Lyon. 

Rahul's dismissal ended a critical innings, but his stand with Jadeja proved vital. Jadeja, battling through pressure and conditions, combined patience and aggression to help India close the deficit.

Despite dominating large parts of the Test, Australia’s momentum was disrupted by frequent rain delays and Hazlewood’s untimely injury. Cummins managed to dismiss Nitish Kumar Reddy for 16, breaking a stubborn 53-run partnership with Jadeja just before tea.

Hazlewood’s absence adds to Australia’s woes, leaving a fatigued Starc and Cummins to carry the workload. Spinner Nathan Lyon, despite conditions offering little, also failed to break India’s resistance.

In the morning session , India captain Rohit Sharma endured another disappointing outing, falling for just 10 in the morning session. Softened by a Cummins bouncer, Rohit edged a loose drive to the keeper, adding to his struggles in the series. He has managed only 19 runs in three innings so far, having missed India’s victory in Perth to be with his newborn son.

With Australia now forced to bat again and limited time to take 10 wickets, their hopes of a decisive victory look slim. While the rain-hit Test has seen Australia dominate, India’s grit and resilience, particularly from the lower order, have kept the series alive.