NEW DELHI: The tensions were palpable in the Indian dressing room during the Gabba Test as the visitors faced the looming threat of a follow-on. However, Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah had other plans in the final session of Day 4. The duo stitched together a crucial 47-run partnership for the tenth wicket, helping India avoid the follow-on and securing a draw to keep the five-match series level at 1-1.
Akash Deep walked out to bat at No. 11 with India reeling at 213/9. Displaying remarkable composure, he scored a vital 31 runs off 44 balls, rescuing the team from a precarious situation.
The turning point came when Akash Deep smashed a Pat Cummins delivery for a four over gully, ensuring India avoided the follow-on. The Indian dressing room erupted in celebration as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and head coach Gautam Gambhir exchanged high-fives, acknowledging the fight shown by the tailenders.
Speaking to reporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Akash Deep revealed that his primary goal wasn’t to save the follow-on when he went out to bat but to survive and not lose his wicket.
“We come to bat lower down the order, so contributions of 20-25-30 runs are very valuable. My mindset is just to contribute. I wasn’t looking to save the follow-on that day; I was just looking not to get out. My mindset was this. God willing, we were able to save the follow-on,” Akash Deep said.
“When you save the match from such a situation, the entire team gains confidence, and our dressing room reflected just that. Everyone was having fun and enjoying,” he added.
The series is currently tied at 1-1.
India began the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series with a dominant 295-run victory over Australia in Perth but suffered a 10-wicket defeat in the day-night Test in Adelaide. The third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane ended in a draw, setting the stage for a decisive showdown in Melbourne.
