In a pulsating Day 4 of the third Test at the Gabba, KL Rahul’s heroic innings stood as a beacon of hope for Team India before a jaw-dropping catch from Steve Smith stole the show. Rahul’s valiant 84 off 138 balls steadied India in testing conditions, but Smith’s one-handed stunner at second slip denied him a much-deserved century. The video of the catch quickly went viral, with Cricket Australia aptly calling it “pure brilliance.”
KL Rahul’s Grit and Class Under Pressure
Walking in with India struggling at 51/4, Rahul displayed remarkable composure against Australia’s potent pace attack led by Pat Cummins. In overcast conditions and a fiery bowling display, Rahul’s innings was a masterclass in adaptability, combining solid defense with confident stroke play. He left deliveries outside off-stump judiciously while punishing anything loose, proving once again why he’s one of India’s most dependable overseas batters.
Irfan Pathan aptly praised his contribution, saying, “If you need runs overseas, call KL Rahul.”
Partnership That Rescued India
India’s troubles worsened as Rohit Sharma fell cheaply, leaving the team reeling at 74/5. In stepped Ravindra Jadeja, whose gritty 41 not out paired with Rahul’s resilience to script a crucial 67-run partnership. Together, they stabilized India’s innings and fought back against an Australian attack that sensed blood.
Jadeja’s calm presence provided much-needed support to Rahul, giving India a faint glimmer of hope despite the uphill battle.
Steve Smith’s Redemption: A Catch for the Ages
The defining moment of the day arrived when Nathan Lyon drew an edge from Rahul, who attempted a cut shot. The ball seemed destined to fly past Smith at second slip, but in a stunning act of redemption—after dropping Rahul earlier—Smith pulled off a full-stretch, one-handed screamer to dismiss the batter.
Social media erupted as fans marveled at Smith’s athleticism, with commentators calling it “one of the best catches of the series.” Cricket Australia’s official Twitter handle declared, “Pure brilliance.”
Widespread Praise for Rahul’s Knock
Despite falling short of a hundred, Rahul’s performance earned him accolades from all quarters. Cheteshwar Pujara remarked, “KL showed that with discipline and patience, this pitch is good for runs. He applied himself brilliantly.”
Sanjay Bangar echoed similar sentiments, applauding Rahul’s judgment outside off-stump and his ability to force bowlers to alter their strategies. Bangar added, “This innings should inspire the remaining batters to adopt a more disciplined approach.”
India’s Daunting Challenge Ahead
By lunch, India reached 167/6, still trailing Australia by 278 runs. The team now heavily relies on Ravindra Jadeja and the lower order to bridge the gap.
Australia’s first-innings total of 445, powered by centuries from Travis Head (152) and Steve Smith (101), highlighted the scale of India’s task.
Key Takeaways from Day 4
- KL Rahul’s Brilliance Overseas: Rahul continues to shine in challenging foreign conditions, showcasing technique and temperament.
- Steve Smith’s Catch: From a dropped sitter to an all-time great grab, Smith’s catch highlighted the unpredictability of Test cricket.
- Jadeja’s Fightback: Jadeja’s unbeaten 41 offers hope, but the lower order faces an uphill task.
- Australia’s Bowling Dominance: Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon exploited the conditions expertly, keeping relentless pressure on India’s batters.
As Day 5 approaches, India will need a miraculous effort to avoid defeat, with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy intensity on full display.