India face a tense final day in the rain-hit third Test against Australia, with hopes of a draw pinned on both resilient batting and the weather. After an eventful Day 4, Australia remain in control but time and persistent rain delays could deny them a victory.
The day 4 belonged to India’s lower order, as Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep staged a gutsy 10th-wicket stand to help the visitors avoid the follow-on. Coming together with India precariously placed at 219/9, trailing by 33 runs, the pair defied the Australian attack for a crucial 39-run partnership. Akash Deep’s unbeaten 27, including a six off Pat Cummins, and Bumrah’s dogged 10* guided India to 252/9 before bad light halted play.
Australia, despite dominating large parts of the game, were left frustrated. Captain Pat Cummins, who bowled a fiery spell to claim 4-80, was relentless throughout the day. Mitchell Starc (3-83) provided strong support, but the absence of Josh Hazlewood due to a calf injury allowed India’s tailenders to claw their way back into the contest.
India began the day at 51/4 and looked in trouble when skipper Rohit Sharma fell early for 10, nicking Cummins after a short-ball setup. Rohit’s struggles continued, with just 19 runs in three innings this series, adding to scrutiny over his form.
KL Rahul (84) offered resistance, benefiting from an early reprieve when Steve Smith dropped him at slip. However, Rahul fell to a stunning catch by Smith later, ending a determined knock. Ravindra Jadeja (77) then stepped up, stitching a valuable 53-run partnership with Nitish Reddy (16) before Cummins broke through again.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, India’s tail held firm. The spirited resistance from Bumrah and Deep brought relief to the Indian camp, where celebrations erupted as Akash Deep’s boundary off Cummins ensured they avoided the follow-on. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli were seen applauding the effort, a rare positive in an otherwise tough Test.
Australia will likely bat for an hour on Day 5 to set an improbable target for India, but with rain in the forecast, time could be their biggest opponent. For India, survival will be key as they aim to salvage a draw from a match dominated by the hosts.
With Australia still 193 runs ahead and conditions uncertain, Day 5 promises a gripping conclusion to this rain-marred Test.
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