Late on the fourth day at the Gabba, a Test match that endured endless rain interruptions came to life for a time as one of the sport’s curiosities was on full display – a team miles behind in the competition but cheered nonetheless they won. A game within a game.

For Australia, the post-race was the most realistic route to victory given how much time has already been lost and more rain is forecast for the final day.

Bumrah hit a six for Cummins to secure a useful chunk of the runs he needed, the day after he cited his batting skills when he was told he might not be the ideal person to solve India’s woes Top class to discuss.

“It’s interesting that you question my batting ability,” he said with a smile after the third day’s play. “You should use Google and see who scored the most runs in a Test.”

However, they occasionally tried their shots, with Akash Deep managing a boundary to the deep third off Mitchell Starc and also hitting two twos to bring India closer. But when he needed five more to save the successor, he almost fell to his knees trying to fend off Starc. A message came from the locker room.

“(You) don’t have to try for a boundary,” Rahul revealed as an instruction. “You can still play around and get those singles, they would spread the field. So the singles were there to be taken. So (it was) just to be a little more patient because we saw it just before the message was sent.” , Akash tried, I don’t know where he tried, but he tried, a boundary to reach. So it was just a message to calm it down and see if they can get five or six singles and (avoid) the sequel.”

Vettori admitted that India’s last two batters belied their career records, but that was no surprise.

“We don’t expect anyone to live up to their average,” Vettori said. “You look at these averages and you think there isn’t much in it, but Bumrah has proven that he is able to build partnerships, he can attack and defend and Akash Deep is better than a No.11 .”

With four needed, Akash got it deep with a boundary, although it was more luck than the case that he ignored advice as he fended off a short throw from Starc that flew over a leaping Nathan McSweeney in the gully.

The Indian fans roared as if they had won the game. In the dressing room, Virat Kohli high-fived and captain Rohit Sharma had a big smile on his face.

“It’s always good to see the bowlers go out and score some runs,” Rahul said. “They really put a lot of work into the nets. And when it came down to it today, I’m glad they were able to really play some shots, and very exciting shots. And in the end it was a great competition. The final half- In the hour they fought, it wasn’t just the runs they made but also the heart with which they kept the bouncers away. There is a lot of pace and bounce in the wicket.

To top it off for India, Akash Deep, now relieved of some pressure, bowled Cummins long-on for a whopping six and two balls before bad light ended the game for the final time of the day. Normally a 193-run deficit is nothing to celebrate and Australia were by far the better side, but you never know how important those few overs could be.