A spirited final wicket stand by India in Brisbane all but guarantees a drawn result to the third Test at the Gabba.
Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep put up a determined fight in a 10th-wicket partnership to help India avoid the follow-on on day four of the third Test in Brisbane. This defiant stand further diminished Australia’s slight hopes of victory, especially with an injury to Josh Hazlewood.
Deep’s thick edge off Pat Cummins soared over a leaping fielder at gully for four crucial runs, ensuring India’s safety and sparking celebrations among the visiting team at the Gabba on Tuesday.
Number 11 Deep then took Australia captain for a six on the next ball, followed by a block to see off the day with failing light.
Deep remained unbeaten on 27, with Bumrah on 10, as the tailenders pushed India to 252 for nine, still trailing by 193 runs from Australia’s first innings total of 445.
The unbroken 39-run partnership has practically saved India from defeat, forcing Australia to bat again with limited time to take another 10 wickets.
Australia’s challenge has been made more difficult with a calf injury to fast bowler Hazlewood, ruling him out of the rest of the Test and likely the remainder of the series, currently tied at 1-1.
The fourth Test is set to begin in Melbourne on December 26, followed by the fifth and final Test in Sydney on January 3.
