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Akash Deep helped India avoid the follow-on and, alongside Bumrah, made sure India went to Day 5 in high spirits.
Snippets from Virat Kohli’s reaction on Akash Deep’s six vs Pat Cummins. (Photo: X)
Pacer Akash Deep hit a massive six against Australian captain Pat Cummins at the Gabba on Tuesday got Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir going in the pavilion, bringing out priceless reactions that are now going viral on social media.
Akash hit the six on the fourth ball of the 75th over. Cummins bowled it on a length and tried to nip it into the batter. But the Bengali pacer read the length early and swiveled a brilliantly-timed pull over the deep mid-wicket fence.
Kohli, who was standing right on the glass window was awestruck and watched it all the way with his jaw dropped. He had his hands on his mouth as he looked for a seat, while Rohit and Gambhir sat nearby, unable to control their laughter at what they had just seen.
Here’s a video of the reactions:
The six was almost like a release shot for Akash. Two balls earlier, he hit a crucial cut to the deep backward point boundary, which took India’s score beyond 245 and meant the visitors allowed following-on. Only one more delivery could be bowled as bad light prompted the umpires to haul play. Stumps were called soon after.
It was a massive psychological win for India. The visitors started the day at a precarious 51/4, staring down at a big deficit. However, KL Rahul’s excellent knock upfront, followed by Ravindra Jadjeja’s half-century helped ease the burden.
Akash came to bat at 219/3 but showed excellent commitment to remain unbeaten at 27 (31). Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah was on the other end at 10 (27).
Kohli was animated throughout the final partnership, sending messages through the 12th men, and even expressing his disappointment at a few of his shots. Akash, who was using the former India captain’s bat, even did a small salaam towards the dressing room while walking back, which prompted even more giggles between him, Rohit and Gambhir.
India still trailed by 193 runs but would feel they have done enough to make sure a draw was a real possibility for the final day.
- Location :
Brisbane, Australia
