Watch: Virat Kohli and Gambhir celebrate as Akash-Bumrah helps India avoid succession

A thunderous noise rang out from the dressing room as Virat Kohli and coach Gautam Gambhir exchanged high-fives after India narrowly avoided defeat by Australia in the Gabba Test thanks to a resilient partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep.

Bumrah and Akash showed remarkable resilience and frustrated the Australian pacers with an unbeaten 39-run partnership for the 10th wicket. This difficult stand helped India surpass the follow-up mark of 246 on the fourth day of the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Under immense pressure, the bottom two showed composure and technical ability to ensure India ended the day on 252/9.

Their crucial partnership not only saved India from batting again but also set the stage for a possible draw on the final day. Poor light halted play late in the day and with even wetter weather forecast for Wednesday, a draw seems almost inevitable. After four days of play, India are 193 runs behind Australia with the hosts scoring an impressive 445 runs in their first innings.

Earlier in the day, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja laid a strong foundation for India with impressive half-centuries and added 67 runs for the sixth wicket. Jadeja then linked up with Nitish Reddy for another valuable stand before the lower order took over. Late resistance from Bumrah and Akash Deep kept the Australian bowlers working tirelessly and kept India in the game as the light faded.

Gabba Test Day 4: Highlights | Scorecard

The late surge in tail-end runs forced Australia to bat again, virtually guaranteeing a draw barring any dramatic developments on the final day of play. With the score at 1-1 over five games, the Brisbane Test was considered a crucial contest but persistent rain has dampened its significance. Weather disruptions, including eight stoppages on day three and multiple delays on day four, significantly limited play. Cricket Australia even refunded tickets for the opening day, where only 13 overs were bowled.

KL Rahul was India’s standout performer, top-scoring with 84 runs before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon and caught by Steve Smith. Rain and poor light characterized this test, with delays occurring repeatedly on Tuesday – first in the morning session, then after lunch and finally after just two playthroughs in the afternoon. Bad light ended the day prematurely.

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