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Akash Deep’s 31 (44) was the third-best knock of India’s first innings and included a massive six against Pat Cummins.
Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah at the Gabba. (Image: AP)
Indian pacer Akash Deep said on Sunday that his aim wasn’t to ‘save the follow-on’ but instead to bat as long as possible during his heroic knock in the third Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba. The number 11 batter’s 31 (44) was the third-best knock of India’s first innings and included two fours and a six against Pat Cummins.
Akash had joined hands with Jasprit Bumrah at 213/9 when India were still 32 runs behind the follow-on threshold. Had another wicket fallen on that fourth day, Australia would’ve had the chance to bowl at India again for the near-20 overs allowed by rain in the Test. But the partnership held on overnight, putting up 47 runs and making sure it ended in a draw.
“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 told reports at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Akash’s square cut to take India over the 245-run mark and the six over mid-wicket to the Australian captain prompted frantic celebrations in the dressing room. Virat Kohli, skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir jumped, laughed and applauded.
“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,” Akash added.
The Bengal pacer eventually got stumped by part-time spinner Travis Head on the fifth morning. But India shot down Australia to 89-7 when they declared and the visitors could bat only a couple of overs before bad weather took over.
The draw meant the series remained level at 1-1. With two Tests to go — the Boxing Day Test at the MCG from December 26 and the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 — India need to win just one more to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Akash, who took three wickets in two innings at the Gabba, would have an important role to play with the ball at the MCG, where his forte of disciplined good length bowling is key to taking wickets.
- Location :
Melbourne, Australia
