On Day 4 of the third Test against Australia, India entered the lunch break requiring an additional 79 runs to avert the follow-on. At that moment, Ravindra Jadeja (41) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (7) were at the crease. To successfully avoid the follow-on, these two players would need to contribute significantly to reach a total of 246 runs. As rain interrupted play once more at the beginning of the second session, it is essential to examine the significance of these remaining 79 runs in the context of the match. India was still trailing by 278 runs from Australia’s first-innings score of 445; thus, one might wonder why the focus was solely on the 79 runs. What about the additional 199 runs? Why is it critical for India to prioritize reaching 246 and momentarily set aside the target of 445?

The explanation lies within the follow-on rule. According to MCC Law 14.1.1, "In a two-innings match of 5 days or more, the side which bats first and leads by at least 200 runs shall have the option of requiring the other side to follow their innings." This implies that if India fails to reach 246, Australia will have the right to request a follow-on. Should they succeed in dismissing India for fewer runs than required, they would win the match by an innings; conversely, if India manages to set a lead, Australia would then need to bat again and chase that target. This scenario would effectively eliminate any chance of Australia losing the Test.

While the follow-on may seem less relevant in contemporary cricket, it remains a critical factor in Test matches, where time is a vital element.

If India succeeds in avoiding the follow-on, it would represent a significant advancement towards preserving the Test match, as it would compel Australia to bat in their second innings and establish a target, thereby consuming more time in the match.

What happened before Lunch on Day 4?

Steve Smith made a remarkable recovery by executing a spectacular catch that thwarted KL Rahul's pursuit of a century, providing Australia with a crucial breakthrough just before lunch on the fourth day of the third Test in Brisbane on Tuesday.

Positioned at slip, Smith sprang to his right to secure a one-handed catch after spinner Nathan Lyon prompted an edge from opener Rahul, who was dismissed for 84. India went to lunch at 167 for six, still needing 79 runs to avoid the follow-on.

This catch ended a resilient 67-run partnership with returning all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, which had instilled hope in India of avoiding a second consecutive defeat in the five-match series.

Smith's catch was particularly gratifying following his earlier misstep, where he dropped a catch at waist height on the first ball of the morning from captain Pat Cummins, allowing Rahul to continue his innings at 33.

Compounding Australia's challenges, paceman Josh Hazlewood faced difficulties due to a calf issue, having bowled only one over in the morning before a team spokesperson announced that he would undergo scans.

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