A resilient batting performance led by KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and the determined tailenders Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep helped India avoid the follow-on against Australia on a rain-affected Day 4 of the Brisbane Test on Tuesday. India ended the day at 252/9, trailing Australia by 193 runs, with Akash Deep (27*) and Jasprit Bumrah (10*) unbeaten at the crease.

The day started on a tense note for India, with KL Rahul surviving a dropped catch on the very first ball. Steven Smith, stationed at second slip, failed to hold on to a straightforward edge, giving Rahul a crucial lifeline. Making the most of the opportunity, Rahul punished the Australian bowlers with exquisite cover drives and brought up his 17th Test fifty, much to the delight of Indian fans.

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Rohit Sharma, however, struggled for form. After avoiding deliveries outside the off-stump early on, the Indian skipper fell for just 10 runs, edging a Pat Cummins delivery to Alex Carey behind the stumps. Despite Rohit’s early dismissal, Rahul continued to score fluently alongside Ravindra Jadeja, who provided solid support.

Australia’s bowling attack faced another setback when Josh Hazlewood left the field with a suspected calf injury during the drinks break. With Hazlewood out of action, Rahul and Jadeja capitalized on the situation, building a much-needed partnership.

However, Australia struck back when Nathan Lyon, who had been probing the Indian batters, dismissed Rahul for 84. Steven Smith, redeeming his earlier drop, pulled off a spectacular one-handed catch to send Rahul back to the pavilion. India was now in trouble with 150 runs on the board.

Nitish Kumar Reddy joined Jadeja and showcased a composed defensive approach, in contrast to his usual aggressive style. While Nitish played cautiously, Ravindra Jadeja continued to keep India’s fight alive. He brought up his well-deserved half-century with a celebratory sword-swirl, symbolizing his trademark style.

The weather played spoilsport during the second session as persistent rain halted the game. Before the interruption, Mitchell Starc and Cummins continued to test the Indian batters, with Nitish holding firm. When play resumed, Nitish eventually fell to Cummins, chopping the ball onto his stumps for 16 runs.

With the score at 201/7, Jadeja continued to battle on. However, in an attempt to accelerate the scoring, he mistimed a shot off Starc, gifting a catch to Mitchell Marsh at deep mid-wicket. Jadeja’s gritty innings ended at 77 off 123 balls, which included seven boundaries and a six.

India appeared in deep trouble at 213/9, but the unlikeliest of partnerships between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep brought unexpected joy to the Indian camp. The pair displayed surprising composure, frustrating the Australian bowlers with patient defense and timely strokes. Akash Deep smashed a memorable six, helping India cross the follow-on mark at 246 runs.

Bumrah and Akash Deep’s resistance ensured India avoided the follow-on, closing the day at 252/9. Their partnership, though unconventional, provided a spark of hope for India and entertained the Indian fans, who cheered every run.

At the close of play, Akash Deep remained unbeaten on 27*, with Bumrah holding his end with 10*. India now trails Australia by 193 runs as the match heads into a crucial final day.

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