India avoid follow-on as tailenders rescue innings at the Gabba

India narrowly avoided the follow-on against Australia on day four of the third Test at the Gabba, ending their innings at 252 for 9.

 

A gritty 84 from KL Rahul and a vital 57 from Ravindra Jadeja provided stability after yet another top-order collapse, while an unbeaten 39-run stand for the tenth wicket between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep proved decisive in keeping India afloat.

Resuming the day on a precarious 51 for 4, India's hopes rested on captain Rohit Sharma and overnight partner Rahul.

However, Sharma's early dismissal for just 10 runs added to the pressure, with the visitors still far from the follow-on target.

Rahul stood firm amid testing conditions, showcasing his technical prowess to counter Australia's relentless bowling attack.

The opener built a determined innings of 84 off 139 deliveries, holding the innings together before falling to a stunning catch by Steve Smith at first slip off Nathan Lyon.

Rahul's dismissal ended a crucial sixth-wicket partnership of 67 runs with Ravindra Jadeja, who once again demonstrated his worth as a dependable middle-order batter. Jadeja, often under scrutiny for his selection over R Ashwin and Washington Sundar, repaid the faith with a well-crafted 57 off 89 balls.

His use of sweep shots against Lyon was particularly effective as he notched up his 22nd Test half-century.

Jadeja's contributions in Australia continue to highlight his value as an all-rounder. The left-hander now averages over 54 in Tests on Australian soil, with scores of 65 not out, 28 not out, 57, and 81 in his last four innings Down Under.

Despite his efforts, Jadeja's departure left India still in danger of following on. The lower order showed little resistance, and the ninth wicket fell with India still needing 32 runs to force Australia to bat again.

It was the unlikeliest of heroes—Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep—who provided the decisive fightback. The pair held firm to add an unbeaten 39 runs for the tenth wicket, frustrating Australia and ensuring India avoided the follow-on.

Their partnership, marked by patience and composure, underlined the importance of every run as India closed the day on 252 for 9.

Australia had earlier posted an imposing total of 445 in their first innings, driven by centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith.

Head's aggressive strokeplay and Smith's assured presence anchored the hosts' innings, while wicketkeeper Alex Carey added valuable runs alongside the tail on day three.

India, on the other hand, have once again been let down by their top order, continuing a worrying trend of collapses throughout the series.

Their position at stumps on day three—51 for 4—left them with a mountain to climb, and while Rahul and Jadeja showed fight, the visitors remain under immense pressure heading into the final day.