Australia's bowling coach, Daniel Vettori, acknowledged that a decisive outcome in the Gabba Test against India now appears improbable, following the visitors' successful effort to evade the follow-on. Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep established a potentially pivotal last-wicket partnership, enabling India to exceed the 246-run threshold and compel Australia to bat once more.

With an unbroken partnership of 39 runs, Bumrah and Akash Deep have significantly increased the likelihood of a draw at the Gabba, particularly in light of the adverse weather conditions forecast for Day 5. India's lower order displayed remarkable resilience, preventing Australia from enforcing the follow-on for the first time in 23 years.

Pat Cummins' team will now be required to bat in the third innings on Day 5, placing the responsibility on the hosts to determine their approach moving forward.

In remarks to the media following Day 4, Vettori stated, "The only way to compel a result was to enforce the follow-on. There was a strong desire to secure that final wicket. We believed we had a solid opportunity when Jadeja was dismissed, but Bumrah and Deep put up a commendable fight."

"Regrettably, the amount of time lost in the match has complicated the pursuit of a result," he continued.

When Akash Deep struck a four over gully to help the visitors avoid the follow-on, celebrations erupted in the Indian dressing room, with head coach Gautam Gambhir, along with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, expressing their joy through applause and cheers.

Could Australia have declared early in their first innings?

Adverse weather conditions have disrupted the entirety of the Gabba Test, leading to suggestions that Australia might have declared before the conclusion of Day 2 to enhance the hosts' chances of accelerating the game. Ultimately, Australia was dismissed for 445 runs in their first innings.

When questioned about the possibility of an early declaration, Vettori remarked, "The runs scored in the first innings were always going to be crucial in this match. It is not advisable to strategize around unpredictable weather. We have observed that conditions can change rapidly. The focus was on maximizing the first innings and relying on our strong bowling attack to perform effectively on this pitch."

On Day 4, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja stood firm, establishing a partnership of 67 runs for the sixth wicket. Rahul contributed 84 runs, while Jadeja added 77.

However, following Jadeja's dismissal at 213/9, it appeared that Australia would secure a lead exceeding 200 runs and compel India to bat again by enforcing the follow-on. Nevertheless, Bumrah and Akash Deep had different intentions, and their resilient performance provided India with a much-needed reprieve.

Bumrah and Akash Deep are set to resume batting on Day 5, with India's score at 252/9, still trailing by 193 runs.

Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah’s Heroics with the Bat: A Wake-Up Call for India's Star Batsmen

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