Tue Dec 17 14:42:47 UTC 2024: ## India Avoids Follow-On, Rahul Stars in Rain-Hit Gabba Test
**Brisbane, Australia:** The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia took a dramatic turn on day four at the Gabba. Rain significantly disrupted play, resulting in the loss of nearly two days of cricket. After Australia posted a first-innings total of 445, India, resuming at a precarious 51/4, faced the threat of a follow-on.
However, opener KL Rahul played a crucial knock of 84 runs off 139 balls, steering India away from the follow-on. Ravindra Jadeja also contributed significantly with a 77-run innings. India eventually finished the day at 252/9, with Jasprit Bumrah (10*) and Akash Deep (27*) unbeaten at the crease, adding a crucial 39-run partnership for the last wicket.
Speaking after the day’s play, Rahul expressed relief at avoiding the follow-on, highlighting the valuable contributions from the lower order batsmen. He praised Bumrah and Deep for their courageous last-wicket stand, particularly their resilience against bouncers in the final half-hour. Rahul acknowledged the team’s frequent discussions about the importance of lower-order batting contributions and expressed satisfaction with the bowlers’ performance, given their hard work in the nets. The match continues, with the threat of further rain looming.
First Piper 