December 17, 2024: Following India’s resistance on day four of the third Test against Australia in Brisbane, Australian assistant coach Daniel Vettori expressed his appreciation for the fighting partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep that helped India avoid the follow-on. This partnership was crucial in preventing what could have been an embarrassing innings defeat and allowed India to make it into day five with a chance to stay in the game.
Speaking during the post-day press conference, Vettori acknowledged that while the Australian pacers, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, had bowled exceptionally well throughout the day, the deteriorating condition of the ball made it harder to maintain consistent pressure. “I think the way that Starc and Cummins bowled throughout the day was exceptional, and I don’t think there was any critique at all around the back end,” Vettori said. “The ball got incredibly soft, and it was hard to find your exact length, but they are always challenging, and they are the main reason that we are in the situation where we had such a great day.” Despite the challenging conditions, the Australian bowlers’ persistence was key in putting India on the back foot, but Bumrah and Akash Deep’s determined resistance prevented further pressure.
Vettori also highlighted the unpredictability of the Indian lower order, emphasizing that the Australian team did not take their tailenders lightly. He pointed out that Bumrah, known for his lower-order batting contributions in the past, and Akash Deep, who he described as “better than a number 11,” had the ability to frustrate the bowlers. “I think we expect everything. I think we understand that any batsman on any given day can step up and deliver,” Vettori said. “Bumrah has proven that he can put on partnerships, he can attack and defend. And I think Akash Deep is better than a number 11, so the team within themselves all understand that every wicket’s vitally important, so there’s no reason to back off at all.” His words show respect for India’s tail and underline the awareness that every player, even in the lower order, can make a crucial contribution.
The partnership between Bumrah and Akash Deep was not only about the runs but also about the resilience they showed in facing Australia’s world-class attack on a challenging pitch. Their ability to stand up in such a high-pressure moment helped India avoid the follow-on, which could have put them on the back foot in the second innings. Vettori’s acknowledgment of their effort demonstrated an understanding of how lower-order contributions can sometimes alter the course of a Test match.
Vettori also mentioned how the rain breaks affected the workload of Australia’s bowlers, giving them more rest between spells. “The weather and rain breaks allowed Cummins and Starc to have a lesser workload,” he noted, which might have been a factor in their ability to maintain their intensity throughout the day.
Looking ahead, Vettori stressed the importance of first innings runs for both teams, with the conversations within the Australian camp focused on scoring well and letting the bowlers take over in the second innings. However, the time lost to rain had made the task more difficult. “Unfortunately, just the amount of time that has been lost from the game has made it difficult,” he concluded, recognizing that the interrupted weather had affected the rhythm of both teams and would continue to play a role in how the Test would unfold.
Vettori’s comments reflected a mixture of admiration for India’s fightback and a tactical understanding of how the match could still be shaped by conditions and crucial partnerships, even from the lower order.