Australian bowling coach Daniel Vettori admitted that his side’s chances of securing victory in the third Test at Brisbane’s Gabba are slim after a defiant last-wicket partnership from India dashed their hopes of enforcing a follow-on. Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep’s unbeaten 39-run stand not only thwarted Australia’s plans but also turned a draw into the most probable outcome of the rain-affected match.
The Gabba, the site of India’s historic series triumph in 2021, was again the backdrop for high drama on Tuesday. Australia had hoped to enforce a follow-on against India for the first time in 23 years, but the resilient Indian tail denied them the opportunity. The tourists ended the fourth day on 252 for 9, trailing by 193 runs when bad light forced an early close.
Gabba Test, Day 4: Report | Highlights
Bumrah (10 off 27 balls) and debutant Akash Deep (21 off 31 balls) showed remarkable grit to help India avoid the follow-on and ensure Australia must bat in the third innings. Their heroics frustrated Pat Cummins and his bowlers, who threw everything at the pair, including sharp short-pitched deliveries and tactical spin from Nathan Lyon.
Speaking after the end of play on Day 4, Vettori acknowledged the impact of the partnership. “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.”
The challenge for Australia was compounded by multiple rain interruptions throughout the day. “Unfortunately, the amount of time lost to weather has made it difficult [to force a result],” Vettori added.
The final moments of play added to the day’s drama when Deep launched a massive six over mid-wicket, only for the umpires to call off play seconds later due to poor light. The Indian dressing room erupted in celebration as the team avoided the follow-on, a psychological victory in itself.
Cummins finished with figures of 4 for 80 from 20.5 overs, and the Australian bowlers relentlessly targeted the tailenders but failed to break through. The partnership marked India’s highest last-wicket stand since 2022 when Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj added 41 against England.
With time running out and the pitch offering little assistance, Australia’s hopes of a 2-1 series lead appear increasingly unlikely. The final day promises to test both teams’ resilience as rain clouds loom large over the Gabba.
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