India fights to avoid follow-on, reaches 252/9 on day 4

New Delhi: India’s Ravindra Jadeja (77) and KL Rahul (84) struck crucial half-centuries on the fourth day of the third Test against Australia, helping their team reach 252 for nine and stave off the follow-on. However, bad light forced an early end to the day’s play.

Jasprit Bumrah (10) and Akashdeep (27) contributed significantly to India’s total with an unbeaten 39-run partnership off 54 balls for the tenth wicket. Despite the efforts, India still trails Australia by 193 runs.

For the hosts, skipper Pat Cummins led the bowling attack with figures of 4 for 80, while Mitchell Starc claimed 3 for 83.

Nathan Lyon chipped in with a wicket, but Australia suffered a blow as fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the match due to injury.

Earlier in the day, Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Rana (16) added 53 valuable runs for the seventh wicket before rain disrupted play temporarily.