Dec 17, V7N - A breathtaking one-handed diving catch from Steve Smith ended KL Rahul’s valiant knock of 84 on day four of the third Test in Brisbane, leaving India struggling at 167-6 at lunch. With Ravindra Jadeja unbeaten on 41 and Nitish Kumar Reddy on seven, India still trail by 78 runs to avoid the follow-on.

Rahul’s Heroics and Smith’s Redemption

Rahul, dropped by Smith on the first ball of the day, made the most of the reprieve, anchoring India’s fightback after they resumed at 51-4. However, Smith made amends 20 minutes before lunch with a stunning grab at first slip off Nathan Lyon, dismissing Rahul just 16 runs shy of a ninth Test century.

The Indian opener’s gritty innings, laced with elegant strokes including a sublime cover drive to bring up his half-century, provided hope for a draw in a rain-affected Test.

Rohit Sharma Falls Early

Indian captain Rohit Sharma added 23 runs to the total before edging a sharp delivery from Pat Cummins to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, leaving India in trouble at 74-5.

Hazlewood Injury Adds to Australia’s Concerns

Australia faced their own setback as Josh Hazlewood, returning after missing the second Test with a side strain, bowled just one over before leaving the field with calf soreness. Cricket Australia confirmed he was undergoing scans, raising doubts over his fitness ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

India’s Hopes Hang in the Balance

With two days lost to rain, India have virtually no chance of pushing for victory. Their focus now lies on salvaging a draw and heading into the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne with the series poised at 1-1.

Jadeja and Reddy will look to see off the Australian attack in the afternoon session, but the loss of Rahul has left India with a mountain to climb.

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