BGT 2024-25: Jasprit Bumrah silences critics with a gritty knock as India avoid follow-on at the Gabba
Xtra Time Web Desk: Jasprit Bumrah, often celebrated for his bowling heroics, showcased his resilience with the bat when India needed it the most. After facing a light-hearted jibe about his batting at a press conference, Bumrah let his actions do the talking, playing a potentially match-saving knock against Australia in the third Test at Brisbane.
Bumrah’s steely determination came to the fore during a vital last-wicket partnership with No. 11 Akash Deep. With India reeling after Ravindra Jadeja’s dismissal for 77 and still 32 runs shy of avoiding the follow-on, the duo rose to the occasion.
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Unfazed by the fiery Australian attack, Bumrah defended resolutely, while Akash Deep played a counterattacking role, bravely swinging his bat to keep the scoreboard ticking. The partnership frustrated the hosts and brought immense joy to the Indian dressing room.
Jasprit Bumrah just smashes Pat Cummins for six! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/vOwqRwBaZD
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2024
Bumrah’s standout moment came when Pat Cummins tested him with a sharp bouncer, only for Bumrah to respond with a confident pull shot—one that echoed the class of a Ricky Ponting stroke—as the ball raced to deep fine-leg.
Together, Bumrah and Akash added 39 crucial runs, surviving nine tense overs in the extended final session. The moment Akash Deep struck a boundary to push India past the follow-on mark, scenes of jubilation erupted in the dressing room. Coach Gautam Gambhir, captain Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli were seen exchanging high-fives, applauding the duo’s tenacity.
#TeamIndia have avoided the follow-on. AUSTRALIA WILL HAVE TO BAT AGAIN!#AUSvINDOnStar ???? 3rd Test, Day 5 | 18th DEC, WED, 5:15 AM on Star Sports! #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/DqW3C9DMJX
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 17, 2024
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India stood at 252/9 in 74.5 overs when bad light forced an early end to the day’s play. The unbeaten efforts of Bumrah and Akash Deep not only saved India from the follow-on but also injected confidence heading into the final two Tests.
With renewed spirits and momentum, India now have a strong chance to fight for a draw in Brisbane and set their sights on turning the tide in the remainder of the series.
