India successfully avoided a follow-on against Australia by the close of Day 4 in the third Test, setting the stage for what appears to be a draw on Day 5. The resilience of India’s lower order, coupled with interruptions due to rain, has kept Australia from seizing full control of the match.
India’s innings began under immense pressure after the top order collapsed on Day 3, following Australia’s imposing first-innings total of 445 runs. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was dismissed early for just 10 runs, adding to the team’s woes. However, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja staged a commendable fightback. Rahul’s composed 86 and Jadeja’s gritty 77 were instrumental in stabilizing the innings and providing a platform for resistance.
The turning point of the day came from the lower-order partnership between Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah. Their unbeaten 39-run stand for the 10th wicket ensured India avoided the follow-on. By stumps, India’s score stood at 252 for 9, trailing Australia by 193 runs.
The match, however, has been heavily influenced by the weather, with rain causing multiple stoppages over the four days. Forecasts for Day 5 indicate clear skies during the morning session but a 24% chance of rain later in the day, which might disrupt play during the second and third sessions. The pitch has offered assistance to bowlers with the new ball, but batting conditions are expected to improve as the ball softens.
Australia will need quick wickets on the final day to press for a result, while India will aim to grind out the remaining time to secure a draw. Given the current scenario and weather predictions, a draw appears the most likely outcome.
Playing XI:
Australia: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Rohit Sharma (C), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj.
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Rohit Sharma (C), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj.