After India's valiant last-wicket stand crushed their dreams of forcing a follow-on, Australian coach Daniel Vettori acknowledged that his team's chances of winning the third Test at Brisbane's Gabba are remote. In addition to foiling Australia's plans, Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep's undefeated 39-run partnership made a draw the match's most likely result due to the weather.
Tuesday's high drama took place at the Gabba, the location of India's historic series victory in 2021. For the first time in 23 years, Australia had hoped to force a follow-on against India, but they were thwarted by the tenacious Indian tail. When terrible light forced an early conclusion on the fourth day, the visitors were down 193 runs at 252 for 9.
Bumrah and Deep's heroics
In order to help India avoid the follow-on and guarantee that Australia must bat in the third innings, Bumrah (10 off 27 balls) and Akash Deep (21 off 31 balls) displayed incredible tenacity. Pat Cummins and his bowlers were irritated by their valiant efforts and threw everything at the two, including Nathan Lyon's tactical spin and stinging short-pitched deliveries.
Daniel Vettori on India avoiding follow-on
"I think the only way to force the game was to enforce the follow-on,” he said. “There was desperation to get that final wicket. We thought we had a real chance after Jadeja was dismissed, but credit to Bumrah and Deep for a fighting partnership," said Vettori during post-day press conference
Throughout the day, there were several weather delays, which made matters worse for Australia.
"Unfortunately, the amount of time lost to weather has made it difficult [to force a result],” Vettori added.
When Deep hit a huge six over mid-wicket in the closing seconds of play, the umpires abruptly stopped play because of the bad light, adding to the drama of the day. The team's avoidance of the follow-on was a psychological win in and of itself, and the Indian dressing room exploded in celebration.
