Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep turned the tide for India in dramatic fashion, ensuring the visitors avoided a follow-on against Australia in the ongoing third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia in the Gabba Test in Brisbane.
Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep’s determined last-wicket partnership frustrated Australia as the duo posted an unbeaten 38-run stand and ensured India avoided the follow-on, a moment that looked unlikely at the start of Day 4 of the Test. Gabba in progress.
Australia left frustrated as Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep save India from follow-up at The Gabba
Akash Deep showed composure with the bat and remained unbeaten on 27, while Bumrah held his own with a brave 10* as the pair battled in tough conditions and helped Team India cross the crucial 246-run mark against Australia in the crucial third Test in Brisbane. .
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The Australian bowlers worked hard but could not break through as the Indian lower order showed resistance, tiring the attack and leaving the hosts with work to do in the poor light, bringing an early end to Day 4 play in The Gabba on Tuesday December 17.
However, Australian player Nathan Lyon remained positive despite missing the chance to force a follow-on against India. He praised the efforts of the Australian team, especially with one bowler out, for taking India to nine wickets. Lyon emphasized the focus on finishing the last wicket, using the new ball effectively against the Indian team on Day 5.
Nathan Lyon proud of Australia’s efforts despite missing track
Nathan Lyon was quoted by ABC Sports: “I feel like I’m very proud of the team’s efforts. Especially when a bowler goes down (Josh Hazlewood injured), you usually only have three bowlers and get nine. Yes, we missed a sequel by so many races, but it’s something we can still be very proud of with how we’ve handled this game.
I feel like the new ball is going to be quite naughty on that wicket, so hopefully we’ll get this final wicket, have a bit of fun with the bat and might even slip to number three, but then we’ll get back to work. “I think you have to look at the positive aspects.”
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Lyon believes there is still plenty of cricket left in the ongoing Gabba Test as he noted that Australia has a strong lead of 193 runs and hopes the new ball will be effective on the tricky wicket. He hopes the weather will clear to allow for a full day of play, promising an entertaining final day in Brisbane.
Nathan Lyon shares update on Josh Hazlewood’s fitness
Sharing an update on Josh Hazlewood, the Australian spinner said: “It’s pretty flat. Obviously I went through that last year when I did something similar. So I understand, I finally understand how they feel. I had never experienced that until last year. So, it’s pretty flat, but we’ll go around him and show the big guy some care and some love, that’s for sure.”
The Australian team will have to score as much as they can in the first hour to be able to continue putting pressure on India, as they would be inspired to win the Gabba Test after Bumrah-Akash’s heroics and, if not that, at least draw the third Test to keep their hopes alive in the test series.