India narrowly escaped defeat in the Gabba Test due to an exhilarating rescue effort from the 10th-wicket partnership of Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, which enabled the team to avoid a follow-on during the final moments of Day 4. Following Ravindra Jadeja’s brave 77, India remained 32 runs short of safety with only one wicket left. Nonetheless, Bumrah and Akash showcased remarkable resolve to guarantee India’s survival.
Read the lips of Gambhir and Kohli, follow-on bach gaya bc 😂 pic.twitter.com/ibIRSQTwEK
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) December 17, 2024
Once Australia’s advantage fell below 200, the Indian players burst into celebratory cheers. Former captain Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir spearheaded the celebrations, while current captain Rohit Sharma participated in the joyous occasion.
As Day 5 approaches with India at 252-9, Australia will have to bat again. With further rain predicted, a conclusive result appears improbable, meaning the series will stay tied at 1-1. India’s aspiration of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final remains intact. A victory in the next Test would also earn India the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) for the fifth time in a row.
Also Read: How Pakistan’s Performance Could Pave India’s Path To The World Test Championship Final | Explained
The next two Tests will be held in Melbourne and Sydney, locations where India has historically excelled. The two-time WTC runners-up have won their last two trips to the MCG and have drawn all three of their most recent Tests at the SCG.
KL Rahul emerged as the top performer with the bat, providing a crucial 84 after India’s top order faltered around him.
