Australia frustrated as India avoid follow-on in Gabba Test. Indians pulled off a brave comeback on day four of the third Test in Brisbane, thanks to an unexpected 10-wicket stand from Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep. They annoy Australia’s spinners, and India did away with the follow-on, retaining their hope in the tight series.
India, being put on the back foot by Australia’s first-innings 445, stood at 213-9. There was little left to bat at and it appeared there would be a follow-on. But Bumrah and Deep rose above the odds with an intense, uncut 39-run partnership that saw India slam India to 252 for nine at the final session.
Deep, number 11, was very composed and violent. He nipped in a Pat Cummins shot past gully for four to get India past the next boundary, and the Indian camp went into a celebration.
Then in a few seconds Deep was out for a six off the Australian captain and his determination to keep India in the game was set.
He ended the day on 27, Bumrah still stood firm in the opposite end on 10.
The Aussies’ woes were made worse by the calf strain suffered by fast bowler Josh Hazlewood as he was forced off the field. Hazlewood is out for rest of Test and likely out for rest of the series. This loss leaves Australia stymied from putting the ball to work in this Test, given the time running out and their bowling resources being strained.
The match is still 1-1 but India’s Gabba resistance could be the difference in this riveting five-match series. Now, after a second batting session, Australia don’t look like they’ll be able to grab 10 Indian wickets in time remaining.