The Aussies continued to apply the pressure on the fourth morning in the Brisbane Test as India managed to stay alive on an already rain-affected day. By Lunch on Day 4, India were six wickets down for 167, still 79 runs away from forcing the Aussies to bat again. Time was running out, and the hopes for India rested with KL Rahul, who stood tall, and was the lone warrior as the pressure mounted.
KL Rahul’s Outstanding Inning Ends Abruptly – WATCH
KL Rahul, who was the brightest hope for India, got out just before Lunch when he was still playing an excellent knock of 84. He was taken by a spectacular diving catch from Steve Smith at slip. This was a tough blow to India, as his solid composure had been of prime importance in the case of India trying to extend the game and have hopes for a miracle. His knock that had almost kept India’s innings together was well crafted, but it ended a bit short of a much-deserved century.
WHAT A CATCH FROM STEVE SMITH!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2024
Sweet redemption after dropping KL Rahul on the first ball of the day.#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/d7hHxvAsMd
The dismissal came just after a testing spell of bowling from Australia’s Pat Cummins. But Rahul had weathered that storm already and, although he was fortunate to survive on the first ball of the day when the edge sailed outside, went on to play with confidence thereafter. With Ravindra Jadeja, the two batsmen looked promising as they faced the tougher spells from the Australian bowlers with much patience and skill.
Also Read: Is India’s WTC Dream Over? What Happens If Aussies Win Or Brisbane Test Gets Washed Out?
KL Rahul’s Steady Knock Under Pressure
From the very start of Day 4, KL Rahul had to deal with tough conditions. The pitch was offering some bounce, and Australia’s bowlers did not let up, but Rahul dealt with the pressure by composed shot selection. He picked his deliveries cautiously, playing the ball late and keeping his hands close to his body. Consequently, he continued to gather runs, ticking over his score quietly before moving past 50.
It was an up and down day for the visitors. The only positive aspect was Rahul’s association with Jadeja in what otherwise looked like a crumbling innings. Jadeja played well and supported him, but it was Rahul who was doing all the scoring.
Defensive Australia Meets Relentless Rahul
Bowling was a contest Australia were soon in charge of, where its captain had set the tone of the match by bowling the first two overs outside the off stump to Rohit Sharma. However, Rahul had his method. He was very patient, awaiting his bowlers to bowl to him a little straighter and pounced on each opportunity when they did.
The 67-run partnership between Rahul and Jadeja gave India a glimmer of hope, but the Australian fielding effort, epitomized by Smith’s catch off Nathan Lyon, proved to be the breaking point for Rahul’s stay at the crease. Despite the early setback, Rahul’s determination stood out as the bright spot for India in an otherwise challenging situation.
KL Rahul: Lone Warrior In India’s Fight For Survival
KL Rahul’s innings in Brisbane was a valiant effort in an otherwise difficult match for India. As India’s chances of survival slowly dwindled, Rahul’s resolute knock stood as a testament to his skill and determination. His dismissal just before Lunch was a bitter blow for the visitors, but Rahul had fought hard to keep his side’s hopes alive. With Australia on the verge of victory, Rahul’s resilience amidst the challenges was the defining feature of India’s Day 4 battle.
