Australia's off-spinner Nathan Lyon expressed his astonishment at India's exuberant celebrations following their successful effort to avoid the follow-on on Day 4 of the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Indian captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and prominent batsman Virat Kohli were seen leaping from their seats, cheering, and celebrating when Akash Deep managed to guide a delivery from Pat Cummins over the gully fielder, securing a crucial boundary that allowed India to evade the follow-on.

Lyon mentioned that this topic was a point of discussion among the Australian players in the dressing room regarding India's reactions.

“A few of us discussed it after the match, and we were taken aback by some of their responses, particularly considering how we have approached this game. I believe we can take great pride in our performance,” Lyon stated in an interview with Fox Cricket. “We have controlled this match, and reaching the position we currently occupy sends a significant message that they are feeling confident in their standing. However, I genuinely believe there is still a considerable amount of cricket left to be played.”

The prospect of Australia requiring India to bat again appeared inevitable when Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed after a commendable innings of 77 runs. At that point, India still needed 33 runs to reach the critical total of 246 to avoid the follow-on. The last pair of Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah displayed remarkable resilience at the crease, successfully defending against Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, thereby achieving India's highest last-wicket partnership in Australia in over three decades.

When the pivotal moment arrived, with Akash Deep striking a boundary to secure the follow-on, the celebrations in the Indian dressing room were unrestrained. Gambhir was seen leaping for joy, exchanging high-fives with Kohli and Rohit. The jubilation continued as Akash Deep followed up with a six off Cummins shortly thereafter. The duo received a warm welcome upon their return to the dressing room after the conclusion of play.

‘Looked like India’s top-order didn't wanna bat': Lyon

Australia's foremost wicket-taker among current cricketers, Lyon, remarked that the Indian top order seemed reluctant to bat in the diminishing light conditions. 

"It appeared that their top order was hesitant to bat if we opted for the follow-on," he stated.

The esteemed off-spinner acknowledged that it became increasingly difficult for Australia to pursue the follow-on after fast bowler Josh Hazlewood left the field following just one over on Day 4. "It was quite challenging to push for the follow-on with Josh unavailable. Mitch and Pat have been exceptional for Australia over the years, and I feel privileged to be part of this Australian bowling unit. Their work ethic is outstanding. We take great pride in our fielding, a standard we learned from the Australian players who came before us," he noted.

Subsequently, it was disclosed that Hazlewood is suffering from a strain in his right calf and will miss the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Read Also: Gavaskar's Staggering Claim: Rohit Sharma Could Leave Captaincy If Poor Form Continues

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!