On the fourth day of the third Test, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and some resilient contributions from the tailenders played a crucial role in helping India avoid the follow-on. Despite challenging conditions, the Indian lower order showed remarkable resolve, keeping the team in the game.
Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul were the driving forces behind India’s total of 252 for nine, with bad light bringing an early end to Day 4 of the weather-affected third Test. Their determined fifties helped India avoid the follow-on against a threatening Australia, with the match seemingly heading towards a draw. Jadeja (77 off 123 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) and Rahul (84 off 139 balls, 8 fours) played key roles in India’s recovery, with Jasprit Bumrah (10) and Akash Deep (27) providing valuable support from the lower order. India trails Australia by 193 runs, but with the Australian team needing to bat again, and rain and thunderstorms forecast for Wednesday, a result in three sessions seems unlikely.
Bumrah and Akash Deep deserve special mention for their gritty contributions, taking India past the follow-on mark of 246. The pivotal moment came when Akash hit Pat Cummins for a boundary over gully.
At 213 for 9, with Jadeja dismissed by a rising Cummins delivery, India needed someone to step up, and Rahul delivered. Resuming from a precarious 51 for 4, Rahul showed resilience against the Australian bowlers, taking India deep into the day. He and Jadeja shared a 67-run partnership for the sixth wicket, marking the first signs of India’s fight.
Rahul had a stroke of luck when Steve Smith dropped a straightforward catch off Cummins on the first ball of the day, with Rahul on 33. He capitalized on that reprieve and brought up his 17th Test fifty. As the day progressed, Rahul played with maturity, waiting for the bowlers to pitch in his driving arc and defending with soft hands. His classy innings ended when Smith made a stunning catch off Nathan Lyon.
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Jadeja continued his fight, adding 53 runs for the seventh wicket with Nitish Reddy. He played most of his shots along the ground, especially using sweeps against Lyon, and brought up his 22nd Test fifty off 89 balls. Nitish also played a vital supporting role, with their partnership crucial for India’s survival in the match. However, Nitish’s stay ended when he dragged a Cummins delivery onto his stumps, and Jadeja followed soon after while attempting to rotate the strike with Bumrah.
Jadeja’s departure left Bumrah and Akash to add a vital 39 runs, offering a glimmer of hope for India. Australia’s bowling attack missed the reliable Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out due to a calf injury, and India’s tailenders took full advantage.
