Christmas came early to the Indian dressing room on Tuesday at the Gabba, which witnessed euphoric scenes minutes before close of play on day four of the third Test. India legends Virat Kohli, captain Rohit Sharma and chief coach Gautam Gambhir erupted in joy as soon as Akash Deep scored the boundary that ensured that the visitors saved the follow-on and potentially the third Test as well.
An unbeaten 39-run partnership for the last wicket between Akash Deep (27*) and Jasprit Bumrah (10*) helped India go past the follow-on target of 246 to finish day four at 252 for 9. Although India still trail the home team’s 445 by 193 runs, saving the follow-on has almost decisively moved the match towards a draw as Australia will have to bat now.
But the scenes that went viral on Tuesday were of Kohli, Rohit and Gambhir doing high five and laughing heartily to watch Bumrah and Akash destroying Australia’s hopes. The ninth wicket fell at the score of 213 for 8, when Jadeja was dismissed for a possibly match-saving knock of 77.
More to follow…
