Amidst rain interruptions during third Test at The Gabba, India suffered a batting collapse and it seemed like they will have to follow-on after a long gap of 13 years. However, Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah's 10th wicket partnership helped the tourists avoid follow-on which led to wild celebrations in the dressing room. Not just Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir celebrated as Deep hit Australian captain Pat Cummins for a boundary to avoid follow-on. The celebrations did not impress Nathan Lyon who said that Australia are still ahead in the game.
"Yeah there's a few of us who spoke about [how we're] surprised about their reaction. We have played well and driven the game to where we are. Frustrating but we are still sitting in the changing room 185 in front. I still feel if we bat well, we can push for an Australian win," Lyon said when asked about the celebrations in the Indian dressing room on Day 5.
"We can't control the weather. What we can control is our process. Especially against Jasprit Bumrah, he's been excellent this series."
Lyon revealed that Australia may have not enforced follow-on as their new-ball bowler Josh Hazlewood is out injured.
"It looked like their top order did not want to bat if we enforced the follow-on. Pushing to enforce the follow-on was pretty challenging with Josh out. Mitch (Mitchell Starc) and Pat , they've been brilliant for Australia for a number of years and I'm very privileged to be part of this Australian bowling attack. Their work ethic is excellent. We pride ourselves on our fielding. And we did that watching the Australian guys before us."
Lyon frustrated with rain breaks
The ongoing Test has seen rain interruptions in double digits. In the first session of Day 5, Australia bowled out India for 260 as Travis Head dismissed Deep. However, the play couldn't resume due to lightning and the umpires asked the players to take shelter as a warning displayed on the big screen at the stadium.
"Yeah it's really frustrating. It's been the trend of the week. I still feel we have a lot of cricket left in the game. We just need the weather to go away," he said.
Effect of Gabba Test on WTC standings
If the Gabba Test ends in a draw, both the teams will share four points each. Their win percentage will decrease but they will hold their respective positions in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings.
