"We would not have been bowled out in 50 overs" - Sunil Gavaskar on day 5 of BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar remains confident that India would've survived 50 overs if they had to in the third Test against Australia in Brisbane to save the game. However, he acknowledged that Australia were well ahead in the game, given they scored 445 in their first innings.
With heavy showers predicted for Day 5 (Wednesday, December 18), Australia took the last wicket quickly and looked for quick runs. They set the tourists 275 to chase down in minimum 54 overs but bad light and rain forced play to be abandoned only in 2.1 overs. The Test eventually resulted in a draw.
When asked if India's batting was feeble enough that they could've been bowled out in 50 overs, Gavaskar disagreed and told India Today:
"No, no, I don’t think India could have been bowled out for the second time in the Test match. Our batting isn’t that pretty, not everybody has been at their best, but we would not have been bowled out in 50 overs. But you have to concede that with 445 runs on the board, Australia had the better of the Test."
India had been playing the catch-up game ever since Australia amassed 445 and the hosts reduced them to 51/4 in the third Test. However, they found resistance from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, while Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah helped India avoid the follow-on.
"Jasprit Bumrah is one cricketer that every captain would want in their team" - Sunil Gavaskar
Gavaskar also lauded Rahul and Jadeja for showing the much-required resilience, suggesting that it set a good example for their other batters. The 125-Test veteran added:
"What I really loved was the resolve shown by your 10th wicket; Jasprit Bumrah is one cricketer that every captain would want in their team, as a bowler, batter, thinker and a complete team man. And he was the one who was guiding Akash Deep as well.
"The resolve shown by KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja will augur well for the remaining two Tests. Remember, India lost in Adelaide in two and a half days. Had they not done well here, the next Tests would also have been gone."
The fourth Test between Australia and India begins on December 26 in Melbourne, with the five-match series tied at 1-1.