Australia's push for victory was thwarted on Day 4 as India avoided the follow-on, thanks to resilient half-centuries from KL Rahul (85) and Ravindra Jadeja (77), and a determined last-wicket stand of 39 runs between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep. Despite being 193 runs behind Australia’s imposing first-innings total of 445, India’s tailenders provided crucial resistance to stretch the game, with a maximum of 98 overs remaining, weather permitting.
Australia, down to just two frontline pacers in the absence of Josh Hazlewood, saw more overs taken out of the game due to rain. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who toiled through 18.5 and 16 overs respectively, were left to carry the load. Yet, the day’s pivotal moment came early when Rahul, resuming on 33, edged a length ball off Cummins only for Steve Smith to drop a regulation catch at second slip. In hindsight, that mischance proved costly.
India had been in dire straits earlier, having slumped to 74 for 5 in the first hour, but Rahul and Jadeja steadied the ship with a vital 67-run partnership. Rahul, composed and selective with his shots, played an array of solid drives and flicks, while Jadeja, making his series debut, displayed his characteristic resilience. Both batters built their innings with control, especially once the ball softened after 30 overs, before Nathan Lyon dismissed Rahul with a sharp catch from Smith.
Jadeja carried the fight forward, reaching his 22nd Test half-century. Despite rain delays that interrupted Australia’s momentum, Jadeja continued to battle, putting together a crucial stand with Nitish Reddy. But Cummins struck again, removing Reddy with a nip-back delivery, leaving India with just three batsmen left to avoid the follow-on.
With Siraj and Bumrah at the crease, Jadeja played the role of the anchor, attempting to farm the strike. He added a vital six off Lyon and a fortuitous four off Cummins before eventually being dismissed for 77. At this stage, India was still 33 runs short of forcing Australia to bat again.
Enter Bumrah and Deep, whose unyielding partnership ensured India crossed the follow-on threshold. Deep, showing commendable composure, slashed Starc for a boundary and later pulled Cummins for a six, a shot that symbolized India’s defiance. As the follow-on target was surpassed, the Indian dressing room erupted in celebration. Deep capped off the moment with a six over deep mid-wicket before bad light ended play.
At the close of play, India were 252/9, trailing by 193 runs. While Australia remains in the driver’s seat, the visitors’ resolve has set the stage for an intriguing final day.
Brief scores:
- India 252/9 (KL Rahul 84, Ravindra Jadeja 77; Pat Cummins 4-80)
- Australia 445 (Travis Head 152, Steve Smith 101; Jasprit Bumrah 6-76)
