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The moment triggered a jolt of celebratory reactions back in the Indian dressing room as well, where skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and coach Gautam Gambhir were all found rejoicing spiritedly.
Kohli, Rohit and Gambhir rejoicing having avoided the follow-on (X)
When it all seemed over, Akash Deep came through to inject a jolt of life into India’s hopes of staying alive in this match, as India successfully avoided the follow-on, an occurrence that got the entire dressing room pumped.
Australia had India on the ropes completely defeated, as the likes of skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc ravaged through the batting ranks of India, who despite spirited fights from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, seemed meek.
With the outcome of the game and the WTC Final inherently, hanging in the balance, it all whittled down to India being able to avoid the follow-on, so that they could pressure the hosts to have to bat and waste more time tomorrow, on the last day of the Test.
With one wicket left, and four runs needed to achieve the feat, Akash Deep caught the thick outside-edge to slot one right over gully, all the way down to the boundary line.
The moment triggered a jolt of celebratory reactions back in the Indian dressing room as well, where skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and coach Gautam Gambhir were all found rejoicing spiritedly.
Having avoided the follow-on now presents India with a slightly better chance of dragging the last day out to ensure a draw. But, the occurrence calls for reflection and not celebration, for it had to be the tail-enders who were entrusted with acquiring the runs as well.
India’s top order, except for KL Rahul, were abysmal to say the least. With the premier batters unwilling to showcase patience in the long format, and falling victim to their tried-and tested weaknesses again, the onus fell on the likes of Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, who notched up valuable fifties, that helped even instill a bit of faith in the Indian ranks.
Finally, with one wicket needed to bowl India out, it was pacer Akash Deep, who came in and scored a priceless 27* off 31 balls with 2 fours and a six, to help India avoid the embarraassment of a follow-on and still stay alive in the encounter.
How either side reacts tomorrow, on the last day of the match, with rains expected to yet again play spoilsport, shall be something to witness.
