GUWAHATI, Dec 17: The Indian lower-order wagged at the Gabba to help the visitors avoid a follow-on on a rain-truncated fourth day’s play although Australia could still go 2-1 up with a day’s play left.
After the Indian top order, barring KL Rahul who slammed a 139-ball 84, failed miserably once again, Ravindra Jadeja’s 77 runs and a 39-run unbeaten partnership for the 10th wicket between bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep were the only solace for Indian fans as the visitors ended Day 4 at 252/9 as bad light forced early close of play.
India still trail Australia’s first innings score of 445 by 193 runs.
Skipper Pat Cummins took four wickets while Mitchell Starc picked up three to pile up more misery on the hapless Indian batting line-up.
A lot will depend on the Brisbane weather tomorrow as Rohit’s men are hoping for some divine intervention. While Australia will look for a win which will give them a 2-1 lead in the five match series, a draw would be more than a victory for the beleaguered visitors.
