“KL Rahul Praises Lower Order for Preventing Follow-On in 3rd Test vs Australia”
A crucial partnership between India’s tailenders, Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, helped the team narrowly avoid a follow-on on Day 4 of the third Test against Australia in Brisbane. KL Rahul, the Indian opener, scored a vital 84. He hailed their effort, calling it a confidence booster for the team.
AKASH DEEP’s SIX AGAINST PAT CUMMINS…!!!! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/HvSf0HPFrt
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 17, 2024
BUMRAH SMASHED CUMMINS FOR A SIX. 🙇♂️pic.twitter.com/2onm9yJMDn
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 17, 2024
India Avoids Follow-On After Resilient Lower-Order Performance
India started Day 4 on the back foot. They needed to avoid a follow-on, or risk an innings defeat. KL Rahul (84) and Ravindra Jadeja (77) both scored half-centuries. A gritty, unbeaten 39-run stand between Bumrah (10*) and Akash Deep (27*) helped. So, India ended the day at 252/9. This ensured the team stayed in the game despite being under pressure.
At the post-day press conference, KL Rahul emphasized the importance of lower-order contributions. “It is very good to see when the lower order chips in and scores runs. That is something we discuss a lot in our meetings, and the bowlers work really hard on their batting as well. So it is really good to see that they could go there, build that little partnership, and avoid the follow-on.”
The opener also revealed he was mentally preparing for a second innings. He anticipated Australia might enforce the follow-on. However, the tailenders’ resilience allowed India to avoid that scenario.
KL Rahul: “Bowlers Showed Heart and Resilience”
Rahul praised the bowlers for their efforts on a tough pitch. It had a lot of pace and bounce. “They really put in the work in the nets, and they work hard on their skills. Today, when it mattered, they played some exciting shots and showed a lot of heart. The last half-hour of their batting wasn’t just about the runs they scored but also their resilience in dealing with the bouncers. On a pitch with a lot of pace and bounce, to defend, leave, and play some good shots was great to see. It will give them confidence and lift us as a group,” he added.
Rain Interruptions Frustrate India
Rain delays added to the challenges of the day, disrupting the flow of play. Speaking on the interruptions, Rahul said, “I think I got more tired running up and down from the dressing room than I did being in the middle. It was a challenge for both teams, stopping and starting again. It wasn’t easy for us, and I’m sure it wasn’t easy for them either. But it is what it is,” he concluded.
Australia’s First Innings: Smith and Head Dominate
India won the toss and chose to field. On Day 2, they reduced Australia to 75/3. Australia won thanks to a 241-run partnership. Steve Smith scored 101 off 190 balls. Travis Head made 152 off 160.
Jasprit Bumrah led India’s bowlers with 6/76. He broke the key Smith-Head stand. Despite a mini-collapse, Australia posted a strong 445 in their first innings.
India’s Batting: KL Rahul and Jadeja Lead the Fightback
India’s response began poorly, with the top order collapsing under pressure. Yashasvi Jaiswal (4), Shubman Gill (1), Virat Kohli (3), and Rishabh Pant (9) fell cheaply. India was reeling.
KL Rahul, however, steadied the innings with a gritty knock of 84, supported by Ravindra Jadeja’s 77. The pair added crucial runs to keep India afloat before the lower order stepped in to avoid the follow-on.
Series on the Line with Two Matches Remaining
With the series tied 1-1 and two matches left to play, the contest remains finely balanced. India’s fightback on Day 4 has given the team hope as they look to stay competitive against a formidable Australian side.
