The fourth day of the 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Gabba in Brisbane was nothing short of a rollercoaster, marked by drama, resilience, and a strong display of grit from India’s batsmen. Australia, having been in a commanding position, were left frustrated as India managed to avoid the follow-on despite early setbacks. The match, which has since become one of the most memorable Tests in cricket history, showcased both teams’ remarkable determination under the sweltering Brisbane sun.
Setting the Scene: A Crucial Test Match
With the series on the line, India and Australia met in the final Test of the four-match series at the iconic Gabba. Australia, after winning the toss, opted to bat first on a pitch that had already shown signs of wear and tear. They posted a commanding total of 369 runs, thanks to a gutsy innings by the Australian top-order, led by the captain Tim Paine and the ever-reliable Marnus Labuschagne.
India, coming off a dramatic win in the previous match in Sydney, were in no mood to back down. They entered Day 4 of the Brisbane Test trailing Australia by 133 runs, with their backs firmly against the wall. India’s task seemed insurmountable at first, especially considering their injury-ravaged squad and the mounting pressure of chasing down Australia’s first innings total. But what followed on Day 4 would leave Australian fans disappointed and Indian fans elated.
Early Hiccups in India’s Chase
The day began with India needing to dig deep to avoid the follow-on. The situation was critical—India’s second innings had to surpass the 200-run mark to prevent Australia from enforcing the follow-on, a tactical move that could push India to bat again quickly in a bid to close the match.
However, the Indian batting lineup was far from full strength. With key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma missing, it was left to the younger and less experienced players to shoulder the responsibility. The first couple of hours on Day 4 were tense, with India losing key wickets early on, including Rishabh Pant and Cheteshwar Pujara. The Aussies were clearly in control, with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc firing on all cylinders. The Gabba pitch had started to show signs of significant wear, and the Australian bowlers capitalized on this, forcing India into a precarious position.
At one point, with India still well short of avoiding the follow-on, the match seemed to be firmly in Australia’s hands. But then came a crucial turning point.
The Resilience of Ajinkya Rahane and Shubman Gill
With the match on a knife-edge, it was the partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Shubman Gill that helped India fight back. Rahane, the stand-in captain in Kohli’s absence, had already proved his mettle earlier in the series with a stunning century in Melbourne. Gill, still relatively inexperienced at the Test level, had already shown flashes of brilliance, but this was a different kind of challenge altogether.
The duo batted through the tough early phase of the day, refusing to buckle under pressure. Rahane, known for his calm and composed demeanor, played an anchor role, defending the good balls and only punishing the bad ones. Gill, on the other hand, played an attacking game, mixing elegance with aggression to take on Australia’s bowlers. Both batsmen were determined to keep their wickets intact, displaying immense concentration and patience.
Their partnership slowly but surely put India back in the game. Rahane’s maturity at the crease provided a sense of stability, while Gill’s youthful exuberance injected some much-needed momentum. As the morning session progressed, the Indian duo began to frustrate the Australian bowlers, who could not break through. Australia’s frustration was palpable, as their attempts to dismiss the two men seemed increasingly futile.
Avoiding the Follow-On: A Vital Milestone
As India’s score crept closer to 200, it became increasingly clear that avoiding the follow-on was a very real possibility. The Australian bowlers, who had been relentless earlier in the day, were now left scrambling to find a breakthrough.
Gill and Rahane’s solid stand, which reached a partnership of over 100 runs, was instrumental in ensuring India’s survival. The Gabba pitch, which had once appeared to be Australia’s best ally, now looked to be slowing down as the day wore on. With each passing over, India’s batsmen grew in confidence, with the 200-run mark just within reach.
The moment came in the late afternoon when India’s total passed 200, thus confirming they had successfully avoided the follow-on. The tension in the Australian camp was evident, and the frustration of being unable to dismiss the Indian batsmen was starting to show. For India, this milestone was not just about avoiding an embarrassing situation, but it also signaled a turning point in the match—a belief that they could indeed fight their way back.
Australia’s Frustration: Missed Opportunities
For Australia, the failure to enforce the follow-on was a tough pill to swallow. The team had dominated much of the Test, and it seemed they were on the verge of a clear victory. But despite having India on the ropes for much of the day, they couldn’t dismiss the final few batsmen.
Australia’s bowlers had their chances. There were dropped catches, misfields, and a few tight lbw appeals that did not go in their favor. The frustration among the Australian players became evident as Rahane and Gill dug in their heels and counterattacked. At times, Australian fielders appeared to be losing their composure, giving away easy runs, further adding to the pressure.
As the day drew to a close, India had managed to reach 249/7, with Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin at the crease. Though India was still not in the clear, they had fought back admirably and avoided an embarrassing follow-on.
Looking Ahead: A Drawn Test or More Drama?
The final day of the Brisbane Test remained uncertain. India still had a significant task ahead of them, but they had fought through adversity to give themselves a fighting chance. The prospect of a drawn Test, or perhaps even a historic victory, was very much on the cards as Day 5 loomed.
For Australia, the challenge was clear: break the Indian partnership early, or risk seeing the match slip away. The frustration from Day 4’s missed opportunities would surely drive them to come out firing on all cylinders the next day. But for India, the mission was simple: bat long, and keep the Australians at bay.
The quirky Day 4 of the Brisbane Test ended with plenty of drama, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what would unfold in the final act of this memorable series. Would Australia seal the win, or would India pull off yet another improbable escape? Only time would tell.
