IND vs AUS 3rd Test: KL Rahul's 84 Leads India's Charge, Need 79 More Runs to Dodge Follow-On!
 

IND vs AUS 3rd Test is at a critical juncture on Day 4, with India still trailing by 300 runs. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma resumed from the overnight score of 51/4 and made steady progress but Rahul's departure for 84 has left India fighting to avoid the follow-on. India is now at 145/6, still requiring 79 more runs to avoid the follow-on and push forward in the game.

KL Rahul, who had remained resilient all the while in his innings at the crease, fell to the bowling of Nathan Lyon. Steve Smith took an absolute blinder at the slip cordon that sent back Rahul for 84. The wicket meant a gritty sixth wicket association between Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja had gone in. They had added 67 runs for the wicket. At Lunch on Day 4, India is at 167/6 and still needs 79 runs to avoid a follow-on situation.

However, there was another twist: Josh Hazlewood pulled up with a calf strain early in the day. Hazlewood had delivered just one over before retiring hurt. According to Cricket Australia, a spokesperson has confirmed that Hazlewood has reported calf discomfort and will undergo scans for further assessment.

The game also witnessed rain stoppages. But the players have resumed action, and India is still fighting hard. As the session continues, Ravindra Jadeja is still there, batting on 41, while Nitish Reddy is on 7. The target is what India needs to reach, not to suffer the agony of the follow-on, a crucial milestone to keep India in the fray.

The Indian team faces an uphill task as they need to score at least 246 runs to avoid the follow-on. While the match has been challenging for the visitors, KL Rahul's fight at the crease and Jadeja's steady contribution remain crucial in keeping India’s hopes alive in this 3rd Test.

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