Day 4 at the Gabba proved to be nothing short of an action-packed and dramatic chapter in Test cricket. Despite interruptions from persistent rain and the frustration it caused, the day ended with India successfully avoiding the follow-on, thanks to resilient efforts from Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul. Their contributions not only kept India in the game but also forced Australia to bat first on Day 5, adding an intriguing twist to the match. Here's a comprehensive review of the thrilling and animated Day 4 at the Gabba.
The Rahul-Ravindra Stand
India's batters Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul walked out to bat with the score at 51/4, and their start was dramatic. KL Rahul edged a ball with an extra bounce to Steve Smith, who ended up dropping a straightforward catch. This left Pat Cummins and the Australian fans disappointed, giving KL Rahul an early reprieve on Day 4. However, luck did not favor Rohit Sharma, as his lazy shot resulted in his dismissal, with Cummins claiming the first breakthrough of the day and reducing India to 74/5.
Ravindra Jadeja then came in to bat for the first time in this series. Both KL Rahul and Jadeja played smartly during their partnership, with KL Rahul reaching his fifty in style. The two batters were building an impressive stand in the middle. However, as India approached 150 runs, Nathan Lyon struck. KL Rahul edged a delivery, and this time Smith took a stunning catch at slip, dismissing KL Rahul for an excellent knock of 84 runs off 139 balls. This also ended the 67-run partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul.
Ravindra Jadeja and the Tail Saves India’s Day
With India at 141/6, the dependable Nitish Kumar Reddy made his way to the crease. Ravindra Jadeja then took charge as Reddy steadily progressed. Jadeja reached his 22nd fifty, and together they added another 45 runs to the score before Pat Cummins bowled Nitish Kumar Reddy. With India running out of batters, the follow-on seemed imminent when Mohammed Siraj entered the middle.
On the other side, Ravindra Jadeja was holding his ground and scoring runs, but he lost another partner in Siraj. Jasprit Bumrah then joined Jadeja at the crease. Jadeja was finding boundaries, supported by Bumrah, with just 35 runs left to avoid the follow-on. However, India lost Ravindra Jadeja when Cummins claimed his wicket, dismissing him for 77 runs off 129 balls. Jadeja's remarkable innings under tremendous pressure kept India in the hunt.
The Unlikely Duo Took the Game away from Australia
As India looked to avoid the follow-on, Akash Deep came in to bat alongside Jasprit Bumrah with the score at 213/9. Australia held the upper hand in this situation, directing their deliveries to wrap up the session. However, Bumrah and Akash Deep had other ideas. They were seen leaving the oddball alone to gauge the pitch and managed to steal quick runs through singles and twos.
As the pressure mounted on the Australian bowlers, their frustration grew, leading them to deliver easier line and length balls to the Indian batters. This change in approach resulted in two sixes and three boundaries, with Akash Deep scoring most of the runs in the last wicket partnership. India successfully avoided the follow-on when Akash Deep hit a boundary off Pat Cummins' bowling. He didn't stop there; he followed it up with a six, prompting celebrations in the Indian dressing room for Akash Deep's impressive effort.
The advice given to Akash Deep by the team during the middle overs proved effective, as he played some risky shots while limiting his options to drive and cut. His performance helped India avoid the follow-on, and the day ended with India at 252/9, trailing by 193 runs at the stumps on Day 4.
Josh Hazelwood is Ruled Out!
Australia's hopes of enforcing the follow-on were dashed at the Gabba as Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah took charge. Additionally, Australia faced another significant setback with the news that Josh Hazelwood is expected to miss the rest of the series due to an injury. Hazelwood had been absent from the field since the beginning of Day 4 due to a severe calf injury, which forced him to miss that day's play.
Later, it was confirmed that the severity of Hazelwood's injury required him to be taken to the hospital for scans. It has now been indicated that his presence is unlikely for the remainder of the series. Australia will miss their top seamer, who has claimed six wickets in the 20 overs he bowled so far in this series.
Day 4 at the Gabba turned out to be an unforgettable chapter in this Test match, filled with drama, rain interruptions, and intense moments. Despite the frustrations caused by the weather, India managed to avoid the follow-on, thanks to brilliant performances from Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja. Their resilience and skill with the bat kept India in the game, forcing Australia to come out and bowl on Day 5. With the follow-on avoided, these key contributions were pivotal in shaping the course of the match, ensuring that the fight for draw continues.
