The third Test between India and Australia at the iconic Gabba in Brisbane is unfolding as a true test of resilience, with key performances from Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Akash Deep helping India avoid the follow-on. On a rain-hit Day 4, these contributions became vital as India continues to battle Australia’s mammoth first-innings total of 445.
At stumps on Day 4, India were at 252/9, still trailing Australia by 193 runs. While India’s fightback ensured they avoided the dreaded follow-on, they still face a tough road ahead to save the match. Here’s a look at why this moment was crucial and what it means for India’s chances in the game.
The Importance of Avoiding the Follow-On in Test Cricket
In Test cricket, the follow-on rule can play a pivotal role in determining the course of a match. According to the MCC Law 14.1.1, a team that bats first and leads by at least 200 runs can choose to enforce the follow-on, meaning the trailing team will have to bat again immediately. The follow-on rule is designed to provide the leading team with the chance to force a quick result by making the opposition bat again.
For India, reaching the 246-run mark on Day 4 was critical. If they failed to do so, Australia would have been able to enforce the follow-on, potentially sealing the game by dismissing India early in their second innings. By crossing the 246-run threshold, India bought themselves valuable time and ensured that Australia would need to bat again in the second innings, giving Rohit Sharma and his team a glimmer of hope to fight back.
Key Contributions That Helped India Avoid the Follow-On
- Ravindra Jadeja’s Gritty 77: Ravindra Jadeja’s vital knock of 77 off 123 balls was instrumental in helping India stay afloat. Jadeja played with determination and patience, anchoring India’s middle order and pushing the score closer to the follow-on limit. Although he eventually fell, Jadeja’s effort set the stage for a crucial late partnership.
- Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep’s Unlikely Partnership: With India teetering at 213/9, it was left to Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep to ensure that India reached 246. The duo’s 39-run unbroken stand was nothing short of heroic. Their resistance in the face of pressure allowed India to safely pass the follow-on mark, a key turning point in the Test match. Bumrah, known for his bowling prowess, showed a different side by contributing with the bat when it mattered the most.
- KL Rahul’s Valiant 84: While Jadeja and the tail enders helped India avoid the follow-on, KL Rahul played an essential role earlier in the day. Rahul’s 84 off 154 balls was one of the most composed innings of the day. His partnership with Jadeja was crucial in holding off Australia’s potent bowling attack and maintaining India’s push toward the follow-on target.
What This Means for India’s Chances in the Third Test
Although avoiding the follow-on is a significant achievement for India, the visitors still face an uphill battle in the third Test at the Gabba. With Australia having set a formidable target of 445 in their first innings, India needs to put up a resilient performance in the second innings. However, the fact that India has forced Australia to bat again gives Rohit Sharma and his team some hope. It buys them valuable time to recover from the deficit and possibly set a target or, more realistically, look for a draw.
India’s top-order struggles have been well-documented throughout this series, and despite a fighting effort from players like Rahul and Jadeja, India’s batting unit will need to show more resilience in the upcoming innings. The match is far from over, but avoiding the follow-on has given India a fighting chance.
The Mental and Strategic Advantage of Avoiding the Follow-On
By avoiding the follow-on, India has essentially managed to gain time, something that will prove invaluable in the context of the match. If Australia had enforced the follow-on, they would have had an opportunity to bowl out India once again, potentially securing a massive victory by an innings. Now, with Australia needing to bat again, India has time to regroup, make strategic decisions, and hope for a turnaround in the second innings.
India’s focus will now shift towards building partnerships, batting with intent, and ensuring that their top order gets runs on the board. With the rain interruptions, time is still on India’s side, and the fight is far from over. Rohit Sharma, along with his men, will have to dig deep to save this Test match and possibly find a way to level the series.
Conclusion
The gritty efforts of Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Akash Deep on Day 4 of the third Test have allowed India to avoid the follow-on, which could have sealed their fate. The moment was a crucial turning point, ensuring Australia will bat again and giving India a fighting chance to save the Test match. As the game progresses, the visitors will need more resilience from their batters to mount a comeback and defy Australia’s massive first-innings total.
Avoiding the follow-on is a significant psychological win for India, but the challenge is far from over. With time on their side, it remains to be seen whether India can capitalize on this small victory and salvage a result from this Test match.
