Bumrah and Akash Deep’s Vital Stand Saves India from Follow-On in Third Test
On Day 4 of the third Test between India and Australia at Brisbane, Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep showed remarkable resilience, batting India to safety and helping the team avoid the follow-on. Their crucial 39-run partnership for the 10th wicket became a highlight of the day, as the pair countered Australia’s bowling attack with grit and determination.
With India needing 33 more runs to avert the follow-on, Bumrah and Akash Deep stepped up, frustrating Australia’s bowlers and securing a significant partnership. Their collective effort was widely praised, especially by opener KL Rahul, who had earlier scored a well-made 84. Rahul commended the duo’s determination, calling their fightback “thrilling” and acknowledging their crucial contribution.
“It’s good to see lower-order batters contributing runs,” Rahul said. “Bumrah and Akash Deep’s partnership for the last wicket was significant, helping us avoid the follow-on.” Rahul also mentioned the energy and excitement of the final half-hour of play, which saw the duo stubbornly resisting Australia’s attack.
Rahul also shared the message sent from the Indian dressing room to Bumrah and Akash Deep as they neared the follow-on mark. Captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir had advised the pair to focus on rotating the strike rather than attempting risky boundary shots. “They told them, ‘It’s simple. Just try to score the remaining runs. You don’t have to go for boundaries. Fielders are placed deep expecting big shots, so rotating the strike with singles will do,’” Rahul explained.
India’s first innings concluded at 260, with Bumrah contributing 10 runs and Akash Deep adding a vital 31. The pair’s 47-run partnership for the final wicket proved crucial, as India managed to add just eight more runs on Day 5, bringing the team’s total from 252/9.
Australia, having posted a dominant first-innings score of 445, secured a 185-run lead, but India’s fightback through Bumrah and Akash Deep’s stand kept them in the contest.
