India head coach Gautam Gambhir he broke into wild celebrations late into Day 4 as 10th-wicket partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep helped India avoid follow-on in The Gabba Test. As Deep hit Australian captain Pat Cummins for a boundary to avoid follow-on, Gambhir cheered and high-fived Virat Kohli. In the background, captain Rohit Sharma could not stop smiling. Kohli was animated as well and high-fived Rohit and the coaching staff. Deep pumped his fists as he averted a danger.
Deep followed it up with a monstrous six over deep mid-wicket as Cummings bowled a fuller delivery on the stumps. One more delivery was bowled after the six as lightmeter came out and umpires called it a day due to bad light.Â
Deep remained unbeaten for 27 off 31 deliveries. On the other end, Bumrah scored 10 runs from 27 deliveries. He hit Cummins for a six as well when the captain bowled a bouncer from around the wicket.Â
Gabba Test headed for a draw
India were 252/9 from 74.5 overs after the end of Day 4's play. They are still 193 runs behind. With rain threat looming large on Day 5 as well, the Gabba Test is headed for a draw until and unless either team sufferes a monumental batting collapse.Â
Deep's bowling numbers
Earlier, Deep struggled with the ball despite bowling a good line and length for a better part of the innings barring the Travis Head onslaught. He conceded 95 runs from 29.5 overs and bowled five maidens. His only wicket was wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey. He replaced Harshit Rana in the side.Â
Hazlewood's absence a plus for India
Australian bowlers were not able to dominate as they were missing the services of Josh Hazlewood. The pacer has a strain in his right calf and has been ruled out of the remainder of the Gabba Test and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. In his absence, Mitchell Marsh could not take a wicket.Â
