In a thrilling display of resilience at the Gabba, India’s last-wicket partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep emerged as a defining moment, preventing a potential follow-on and keeping India’s hopes alive. Their remarkable 39-run stand was a testament to the team’s fighting spirit, complementing the substantial contributions of KL Rahul’s gritty 84 and Ravindra Jadeja’s crucial 77 runs. This partnership not only rescued India from a precarious position but also demonstrated the depth and determination of the Indian batting lineup. The partnership symbolized India’s never-say-die attitude, turning a potentially disastrous situation into an opportunity for resistance and potential comeback.

Rules for Follow-On

According to Marylebone Cricket Club 2017,

14.1 Lead on first innings

14.1.1 In a two-innings match of 5 days or more, the side which bats first and leads by at least 200 runs shall have the option of requiring the other side to follow their innings.

14.1.2 The same option shall be available in two-innings matches of shorter duration with the minimum leads as follows:

– 150 runs in a match of 3 or 4 days;

– 100 runs in a 2-day match;

– 75 runs in a 1-day match.

14.2 Notification

A captain shall notify the opposing captain and the umpires of his/her intention to take up this option. Once notified, the decision cannot be changed.   

14.3 First day’s play lost

If no play takes place on the first day of a match of more than one day’s duration, 14.1 shall apply in accordance with the number of days remaining from the start of play. The day on which play first commences shall count as a whole day for this purpose, irrespective of the time at which play starts.

Play will have taken place as soon as, after the call of Play, the first over has started.  See Law 17.2 (Start of an over)