3 big positives for India from their draw in the 3rd BGT 2024/25 Test ft. Akash Deep
The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has produced plenty of memorable moments already. Two Tests remain in the series, which recently saw India and Australia slug it out amidst the rain in Brisbane.
Unfortunately for the hosts, who were pushing for a win for a large part of the five days, they couldn't get the job done in the limited time they had. And while India have plenty of room for improvement, they will be happy with the fact that the rubber is still all square.
On that note, here are three big positives for Team India from their draw in the third Test against Australia.
#3 Akash Deep bowled well, albeit without much reward
In the first innings, Akash Deep bowled more overs than any other Indian bowler. In the second, he was hot on the heels of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. However, the 28-year-old finished the Test with just three scalps to his name, two of which came on the final day.
Deep toiled away for almost 30 overs in the first innings. He got movement in both directions, was accurate for most parts of all his spells, and constantly induced false shots from the Australian batters. While wickets didn't come his way, it was a hugely encouraging performance from the fast bowler.
India have long been searching for a bowler who can perform the holding role and enable Bumrah from the other end. Amid Mohammed Shami's injury issues and Siraj's inconsistency, Deep is fast emerging as a candidate to become the team's second-choice bowler in red-ball cricket.
#2 India fought hard to avoid the follow-on
India may have been able to escape with a draw even if they hadn't avoided the follow-on, but once they did, the weather forecast made it clear that Australia wouldn't have enough time to push for a win.
The visitors weren't in an excellent position with one wicket in hand to save the follow-on with 33 runs still to get and no recognized batter at the crease. But Deep and Bumrah punched above their weight to ensure that the Aussies had to bat again following a period of intelligent cricket where they pinched twos and found the odd boundary.
The fight shown by the lower order will hold India in good stead for the remainder of the series, as several experts have pointed out. Gautam Gambhir and the rest of the Indian dressing room were elated after the follow-on was averted, with the context of the series being crucial.
#1 KL Rahul was assured at the top of the order
KL Rahul has had his ups and downs in the Test format, but he has come up with a series of meaningful knocks in challenging conditions. The latest addition to his list of special innings was his effort at the Gabba.
Rahul was granted a lucky reprieve early on the fourth morning, but he dug in and didn't give Australia any more opportunities. He was proactive and looked to score runs while also knowing exactly where his off-stump was. The opener's combination of assured leaves and classy strokeplay was one of the biggest reasons behind India managing to draw the Test.
It wouldn't be a stretch to claim that Rahul has been India's best batter on the tour so far. Heading into tricky challenges in Melbourne and Sydney, the form of one of their main batters is a major positive for the visitors.