Watch: Virat Kohli, Gambhir celebrate as Akash-Bumrah help India ...

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli were jubilant in the dressing room after Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah helped India save the follow-on against Australia on Day 4 of the Gabba Test.

Virat Kohli, Gambhir celebrate as Akash-Bumrah help India avoid follow-on (Screengrab from Star Sports)

A thunderous roar erupted from the dressing room as Virat Kohli and coach Gautam Gambhir exchanged high-fives after India narrowly avoided the follow-on against Australia, thanks to a resilient partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep in the Gabba Test on Tuesday, December 17.

Bumrah and Akash showcased remarkable resilience, frustrating the Australian pacers with an unbeaten 39-run partnership for the 10th wicket. This gritty stand helped India surpass the follow-on mark of 246 on Day 4 of the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Under immense pressure, the two tail-enders demonstrated composure and technical skill, ensuring India ended the day at 252/9.

Gabba Test, Day 4: Report | Highlights

Their crucial partnership not only saved India from batting again but also set the stage for a potential draw on the final day. Bad light halted play late in the day, and with more wet weather forecast for Wednesday, a draw appears almost inevitable. After four days of play, India trail Australia by 193 runs, with the hosts having posted an imposing 445 in their first innings.

Virat Kohli was up on his feet in the dressing room, cheering every run the last wicket pair scored. When Akash hit a boundary to take India past the follow-on mark, Kohli and Gautam Gambhir high-fived as Rohit Sharma was thrilled. The TV cameras panned to the Indian dressing room, which was filled with joy.

Virat Kohli also saluted Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah as they returned to the dressing room. Quite a few players, including KL Rahul, assembled near the boundary ropes to welcome the two batters, who remained unbeaten at the end of the day's play.

Earlier in the day, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja laid a strong foundation for India with impressive half-centuries, adding 67 runs for the sixth wicket. Jadeja then combined forces with Nitish Reddy for another valuable stand before the lower order took over. Bumrah and Akash Deep's late defiance made the Australian bowlers toil relentlessly, keeping India in the game as the light faded.

Gabba Test Day 4: Highlights | Scorecard

For Australia, skipper Pat Cummins emerged as the most successful bowler, taking four wickets for 80 runs, while Mitchell Starc claimed three for 83. Nathan Lyon (1/54) also chipped in with a wicket on a day when Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the match due to injury. With the five-match series level at 1-1, the Brisbane Test was billed as a pivotal contest, but persistent rain has dampened its significance. Weather interruptions, including eight stoppages on Day 3 and multiple delays on Day 4, have severely curtailed play. Cricket Australia even refunded tickets for the opening day, where only 13 overs were bowled.

KL Rahul was the standout performer for India, top-scoring with 84 runs before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon, caught by Steve Smith. Rain and bad light have defined this Test, with Tuesday seeing repeated delays—first in the morning session, then after lunch, and finally after only two overs of play in the afternoon. Bad light eventually brought the day’s proceedings to an early close.

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