KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja Shine With Fifties, Trail Australia By 193 Runs In Brisbane Test (Day 3, Stumps)

December 17, 2024: A rain-affected third day at Brisbane concluded with India battling hard to avoid the follow-on, despite a strong performance from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, along with defiant contributions from Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep. As the day’s play came to an end, India was 252/9, trailing Australia by 193 runs. The tail-enders, especially Bumrah (10*) and Akash Deep (27*), frustrated the Australian bowlers, helping India avoid further damage.

KL Rahul continued his gritty form, scoring a crucial 84 from 113 balls. He survived an early scare when he edged the first ball of the day to Steven Smith at second slip, but Smith dropped the chance, and Rahul capitalized on the lifeline. After that, he played a series of beautiful cover drives and dominated the Australian bowlers, notching up his 17th Test fifty.

However, his stay was cut short when he attempted to cut Nathan Lyon and was dismissed after Smith took a stunning one-handed catch at short cover. Rahul’s departure left India at 145/4.

Ravindra Jadeja was solid in his defense and counterattacked when necessary. He reached a well-made 77 from 123 balls, bringing some much-needed stability to the innings. Jadeja’s effort was crucial in preventing India from being bowled out for a much lower score. He was dismissed for 77 when he misjudged a pull shot off Mitchell Marsh, and his ball found the hands of Marsh at deep mid-wicket.

With India at 213/9, Jasprit Bumrah (10*) and Akash Deep (27*) came together to frustrate Australia’s bowlers. The pair added a valuable 39 runs, including a towering six from Akash Deep that helped India cross the follow-on mark and finish the day without further loss. Their defiance brought some entertainment to Indian fans as they held up the Australian attack, ensuring India stayed in the game.

Australia's bowlers, led by Pat Cummins (4/80) and Nathan Lyon (2/53), kept the pressure on the Indian batting lineup, but the tail-enders showed resilience. Mitchell Starc (0/54) and Marsh (1/27) also tried hard but couldn't break through the stubborn resistance.

Earlier in the day, Australia’s strategy was also impacted by the injury to Josh Hazlewood, who was forced to leave the field after a suspected calf injury. His absence was a blow for Australia, but they continued to keep the pressure on India.

Australia began the day in a commanding position after putting up a massive 445/10 in their first innings, with Travis Head (152) and Steve Smith (101) scoring centuries. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for India, taking a remarkable 6/76, but it was clear that Australia’s dominance in the first innings had set a daunting target.

Rain played a significant role on Day 3, with interruptions in the second session, limiting the amount of play. However, despite the breaks, both teams made the most of the available time. India's efforts, led by Rahul, Jadeja, and the tail, have kept the match alive.

With India trailing by 193 runs, the task ahead is still tough, especially with just one wicket remaining. Australia will aim to clean up the Indian innings quickly and build on their strong position, while India’s tail will look to stretch the innings and minimize the deficit. The weather, too, could play a role in the coming days, but India’s fightback, led by Rahul, Jadeja, and the tail, has given them a glimmer of hope in this contest.