The Indian national cricket team successfully avoided the follow-on during the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. Chasing Australia’s massive first-innings total of 445, India ended Day 4 on 252/9, thanks to crucial contributions from KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and a resilient last-wicket partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep.

India was struggling at 213/9 after Pat Cummins dismissed Ravindra Jadeja. The team still needed 33 runs to avoid the follow-on. However, Bumrah and Akash Deep showcased remarkable determination, adding 39 runs for the final wicket while weathering Australia’s bowling attack for nine overs.

KL Rahul, who played a fine knock of 84 runs, commended the lower-order batters for their spirited fightback. Speaking to the media after the day’s play, Rahul said, "It’s very good to see when the lower-order chips in and scores runs. That’s something we discuss in our meetings. Avoiding the follow-on makes a huge difference, especially knowing there’s a little bit of rain around."

He also praised the courage shown by Bumrah and Akash Deep in handling Australia’s bouncers. "Not just the runs they scored, but the heart they showed to defend and play some shots was commendable. It gives them and the group a lot of confidence," Rahul added.

Rahul revealed the team management’s message to the last-wicket pair when they were nearing the follow-on mark.

"It's very simple. Try and get those runs and don't have to try and do it with a boundary. You can just knock it around. They had spread the field and there were singles to be taken. Just before the message was sent out, we saw Akash tried to hit it and he tried to hit a boundary. It was just a message to calm them down," he said.

The partnership between Bumrah and Akash Deep has kept India alive in the match, with rain potentially playing a role on the final day.