India may not secure victory in this Test match from this point onward, yet their accomplishments on Day 4 of the third Test against Australia in Brisbane on Tuesday render them no less than champions. As Day 4 commenced, the primary concern was whether India, with a precarious score of 51/4, could evade the follow-on. For much of the day, this seemed unlikely, especially after they lost their ninth wicket at 213, still trailing by 33 runs. However, a remarkable defensive effort from Jasprit Bumrah, along with the significant contribution from Akash Deep, enabled India to surpass the 246-run threshold, ensuring that Australia would bat again and igniting hopes for what could be a draw as significant as a victory.

Just hours after a reporter questioned Bumrah's batting abilities, he provided a fitting response by remaining unbeaten on 10 runs from 27 balls. The standout performance, however, came from his partner Akash Deep, who scored the majority of runs—27 off 31 balls—in their unbroken partnership of 39 runs from 54 balls, leading India to a total of 252/9 at the end of the day. With only three sessions remaining in the match and rain anticipated on Wednesday, India is virtually assured of heading to Melbourne, maintaining parity with Australia at 1-1.

With over 30 runs still required, the odds appeared slim. This changed when Bumrah struck a six off Pat Cummins, energizing the crowd. Shortly thereafter, Akash began to find his rhythm, and runs started to accumulate confidently. The duo collected numerous doubles and ran exceptionally well, bringing the required runs down to single digits. In the following over, with just four runs needed, Akash sent a shot over the slip cordon, igniting jubilation in the Indian dressing room. Head coach Gautam Gambhir remained composed until he leapt from his seat in celebration, while Virat Kohli enthusiastically joined in with spirited high-fives.

Watch Team India go berserk below:

Akash's celebration did not end there. He marked India's success in evading the follow-on by hitting a powerful shot over long-on, sending the ball into the stands, while Kohli, resembling an enthusiastic supporter, watched in awe with his eyes widening. Following a dot ball, the game was interrupted due to poor lighting conditions and was subsequently abandoned shortly thereafter, providing India with ample reasons to rejoice.

Jadeja, and Rahul set up the platform

Akash and Bumrah's unwavering determination served as an excellent complement to the efforts of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, whose resilient half-centuries helped India recover from a precarious position. Following the early dismissal of captain Rohit Sharma for a mere 10 runs, Jadeja and Rahul forged a partnership of 67 runs for the fifth wicket, instilling a glimmer of hope for India in the match. Rahul, who began the day on 33, faced the first delivery and edged it directly to Steve Smith at second slip; however, the former Australian captain, renowned for his catching prowess, surprisingly dropped the straightforward chance. Rahul persevered and ultimately secured his second half-century of the series.

At the other end, Jadeja, participating in his first Test of the series, demonstrated why he is regarded as the world's top all-rounder, amassing 77 runs, including seven fours and a six.

For the first time since their triumph in Perth, India displayed resilience and is anticipated to maintain this momentum in the following day, regardless of the outcome. Currently, India trails by 193 runs, and it is expected that Australia will bat to gain some practice ahead of the Boxing Day Test scheduled for December 26.

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