Team India opener KL Rahul showered praise on Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah for their valuable batting contributions in helping India avoid the follow-on. KL Rahul emphasized that the partnership between Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah was crucial, especially with rain affecting the Test match.
In response to Australia’s first-innings total of 445 runs, India was in a tough spot at 213-9 in their first innings. Akash Deep joined Jasprit Bumrah at the crease, and the pair formed a vital unbeaten 39-run stand for the last wicket. Team India finished Day 4 at 252-9 Gabba in Brisbane on December 17.
India successfully avoided the follow-on and now trails Australia by 193 runs heading into the final day. Frequent rain interruptions have reduced playtime, benefiting India and frustrating Australia. The visitors’ chances of saving the Test look stronger after crossing the 246-run follow-on mark.
It’s Very Good to See When the Lower Order Chips In – KL Rahul
Speaking at the press conference, KL Rahul said that the bowlers are putting effort into improving their batting. He credited Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah’s partnership for helping India avoid the follow-on. Rahul emphasized that it was a good way to end the day for them.
“Yes, it’s very good to see when the lower order chips in and scores runs. That’s something that we discuss a lot in our meetings and the bowlers work really hard on their batting as well. It’s really good to see that they could go there and get that little partnership and avoid the follow-on,” Rahul said.
“It makes a huge difference knowing that there’s a bit of rain around and so much of the game has been lost to rain. We need to find a way to stay in the game and I think Akash and Bumrah did that at the end. So, a good way to end the day for us,” he added.
I Was Thinking More About Padding Up – Kl Rahul
KL Rahul praised the lower-order bowlers for their hard work and crucial contributions with the bat. He admitted he was initially focused on his own preparation in case of a follow-on but was pleased to see the bowlers step up.
“At that stage, I was thinking more about going and padding up and trying to go back to bat probably. You don’t know. I’m not sure if they would have enforced the follow-on. So, I was thinking about what I need to do with my batting. But like I said, it’s always nice to see your bowlers going out there, scoring some runs. They really put in the work in the nets,” Rahul said.
“They work really hard, and when it mattered today, I’m happy that they could really play some shots and very exciting shots. It was a great contest at the end. The last half an hour when they batted, not just the runs that they got, but the heart that they showed to keep away the bouncers.”
Brief Scores of the Gabba Test:
India 252 for 9 (Rahul 84, Jadeja 77, Cummins 4-80, Starc 3-83) trail Australia by 193 runs
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