Australia, already down to just two frontline pacers, saw their hopes of victory significantly dampened by rain delays and resilient batting from India. Key half-centuries from KL Rahul (85) and Ravindra Jadeja (77), coupled with a determined unbeaten 39-run stand for the final wicket between Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah, ensured India avoided the follow-on. At the close of play, India still trailed by 193 runs, with Australia facing a tight 98 overs (weather permitting) to finish India’s innings, build a quick lead, and give their depleted bowling attack enough time to secure a victory.
Cummins and Starc’s Efforts on a Challenging Day
In the absence of their fast bowling partner Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc toiled relentlessly on day four, with Cummins bowling 18.5 overs and Starc 16 overs. However, despite their hard work, they could not make a decisive breakthrough. Early on, Australia was denied what could have been a pivotal moment when Steve Smith put down a regulation chance at second slip off Cummins’ very first delivery of the day.
Rahul, who had resumed his innings on 33, was the lucky batter as the drop proved to be a crucial turning point. Meanwhile, billy777 watched closely as the action unfolded, adding to the tense atmosphere.
This missed opportunity was even more significant considering India’s precarious situation. After struggling on the rain-affected third day, India faced the challenging task of reaching 246 to avoid the follow-on, which would have further delayed Australia’s victory push. At one point, India was precariously placed at 74 for five after just one hour’s play.
Rohit Sharma’s Struggles Against Cummins
The day started poorly for India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, who was made to pay for his earlier mistakes. Cummins, probing with precision, dismissed Rohit after a sharp short ball followed by a fuller delivery.
Sensing an opportunity to score, Rohit reached for the ball, but instead, he feathered an edge to the keeper, falling cheaply. With Rohit’s loss, India’s chances of avoiding the follow-on seemed slimmer, but Rahul and Jadeja’s partnership brought some stability.
KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja Steady the Ship
KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja combined to deliver India’s best partnership of the innings. Rahul, in particular, was impressive, playing with excellent technique and making good decisions at the crease.
He focused on the fuller deliveries and played them precisely, often using his square drive. Batting conditions improved as the ball aged, and Rahul and Jadeja could accumulate runs risk-free, building a crucial 67-run stand.
However, just as things were looking better for India, the partnership was broken when Steve Smith, atoning for his earlier drop, leaped to his right and held on to Rahul’s cut shot off Nathan Lyon. Despite the setback, Jadeja, playing his first match of the series, kept India’s fight alive with another solid half-century stand with Nitish Reddy.
India’s Race Against Time to Avoid the Follow-On
Australia now faced a race against time. The weather had disrupted play, and only 13.2 overs were possible during the middle session. Jadeja reached his 22nd Test fifty, but India’s position was precarious.
Despite facing relentless pressure, Jadeja and Reddy survived a testing spell from Starc after a 67-minute rain delay. However, the pair could not hold on against Cummins, who eventually got Reddy out with a nip-backer that dislodged the bails via an inside edge.
India was still 51 runs short of the follow-on target at this point, with only three fast bowlers left to support Jadeja. India’s No. 9 batter, Mohammed Siraj, came to the crease but was soon dismissed by Starc, who found the edge of Siraj’s bat and sent him back to the pavilion.
Jadeja’s Resilience and Deep and Bumrah’s Crucial Stand
Jadeja attempted to farm the strike and added a six off Lyon, followed by a fortunate four off Cummins. However, his innings ended on 77 when Cummins claimed his fourth wicket. India was still 33 runs away from the follow-on mark at that point, but Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah held firm against the weary Australian attack. Bumrah’s stand was pivotal as it brought India closer to safety.
Bumrah, known for his aggressive batting, pulled a bouncer from Cummins for a six and began nudging singles with composure. Deep, too, played a crucial role by slashing Starc over the cordon for a boundary. With the score nearing the follow-on target, Australia had no choice but to bring Nathan Lyon back into the attack.
The Final Push and India’s Escape from the Follow-On
Cummins, now eager for the final wicket, conceded seven runs off his 20th over as the tension mounted. On his 21st, Deep, with a calm and calculated stroke, edged a boundary over the cordon, bringing India past the all-important follow-on mark.
Deep slogged Cummins for a six over deep mid-wicket in a moment of celebration. But the joy was short-lived as the umpires took the players off the field due to bad light, ensuring that India had avoided the follow-on, at least for the time being.
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Looking Ahead
At the close of the day’s play, India had managed to delay Australia’s victory push and remained 193 runs adrift. However, with just 98 overs left in the match and the weather significantly limiting the number of overs available, both teams need a more stable future.
Australia must find a way to close out India’s innings quickly. At the same time, India will need to bat through as long as possible, hoping their tail can continue to frustrate the Australian bowlers.
