In a gripping display of resilience and determination, India’s batsmen have kept their hopes of a monumental series victory alive on day four of the decisive fourth Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. The tourists, facing a daunting first innings deficit, batted with grit and purpose to avoid the follow-on and frustrate the Australian bowlers on a rain-affected fourth day.
Defiant Partnership Rescues India
India found themselves in dire straits at 186-6, still 98 runs adrift of saving the follow-on, when Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar, both playing their second Tests, came together for a fighting seventh-wicket partnership. The duo mixed caution with calculated aggression, blunting the Australian attack and slowly chipping away at the deficit.
“Every run is crucial on this pitch. Thakur and Sundar showed great determination to keep us in the hunt. It was a real team effort.”
– A source close to the Indian team
Their gutsy 123-run stand, though broken late in the day, has given India a glimmer of hope heading into an intriguingly poised final day. At stumps, the scoreboard read 336-7, with a lead of just 52 for the home side.
Australian Bowlers Made to Toil
On a day when fortunes oscillated, Australia’s pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc were made to work hard for every wicket. The absence of a specialist spinner meant lengthy spells for the quicks, who had to contend with a pitch that is starting to show signs of uneven bounce.
- Cummins was the pick of the bowlers, snaring 4-69 through relentless accuracy and subtle variations.
- Starc generated pace and swing but leaked runs, while Hazlewood was economical but only managed one wicket.
- All-rounder Cameron Green toiled manfully as the fourth seamer but remained wicketless.
Pitch and Weather Add Intrigue
As the Test enters its final chapter, the Gabba pitch is starting to exhibit variable bounce and the odd delivery is staying low, adding to the challenges for batsmen. With further showers predicted for day five, the elements too could play a decisive role in this enthralling contest.
India, however, will take heart from their remarkable rearguard action thus far. Having lost several key players to injury, the resilience shown by their inexperienced batting lineup has been nothing short of inspirational. If they can continue in the same vein on the final day, a draw or even an improbable victory cannot be ruled out.
“The way the Indian batsmen fought today, you can never count them out. It will be a fascinating final day. Both teams will fancy their chances.”
– A former Australian cricketer
Thrilling Finish on the Cards
For Australia, the equation is straightforward – take the remaining three Indian wickets as quickly as possible, then chase down the target to clinch the series. Their record at the Gabba, where they haven’t lost a Test since 1988, will give them confidence. But they will be wary of the unpredictable nature of the final day pitch.
India, meanwhile, have nothing to lose and everything to gain. A draw would be enough to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while an against-all-odds victory would etch this series into the annals of cricketing folklore. With resolute batting and a bit of luck, they might just script a fairytale ending.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the denouement of this riveting Test series, one thing is certain – the fifth day in Brisbane promises to be an absolute cracker. Will Australia’s fortress prove impregnable or can India breach it and pull off a heist for the ages? The answer will be revealed soon. Strap in for a memorable climax!
