Virat Kohli was stunned while Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir were elated as Indian cricket team fast bowler Akash Deep hit a huge six off Pat Cummins on the fourth day of the third Test match between India and Australia on Tuesday. Akash Deep forged a brilliant partnership with Jasprit Bumrah to avoid losing out in the first innings. With the threat of succession behind him, the fast bowler let loose with a massive six over deep mid-wicket against Cummins. There was already excitement in the Indian dressing room after they escaped a counter-attack and Akash Deep’s six sent them into a frenzy.

KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were determination personified as their fighting fifties helped India avoid relinquishment on the fourth day of the weather-hit third Test against a menacing Australia who appear to be heading for a draw.

Rohit, Gambhir and Kohli’s reaction to Akash’s deep six against Pat Cummins#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/MefC5pxrfp

– Kuljot (@Kuljot__) December 17, 2024

Jadeja (77, 123b, 7×4, 1×6) and Rahul (84, 139, 8×4) were the heavyweights in India’s 252 for nine as poor light forced an early end to the day.

Jasprit Bumrah (10) and Akash Deep (27), who have shown considerable courage, hold the fort for India.

The visitors are 193 runs behind the Australians. But they wouldn’t mind as Australia now have to bat again and forcing a result in three sessions seems an unlikely target given the weather conditions in Brisbane.

The city is bracing for rain and a thunderstorm or two on Wednesday.

A quick word of recognition also goes to No. 10 Bumrah and No. 11 Akash Deep, who managed the 33 runs required to cross the follow-up mark of 246.

The most awaited moment came when Akash slammed Pat Cummins across the gully to the boundary.

(With PTI inputs)