Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep dug in as India avoided the follow-on on day four of the third Test against Australia.

KL Rahul, who was dropped by Steve Smith from the first ball of the day, struck 84 on Tuesday, but he was not supported by those around him as India were reduced to 213-9.

That meant Bumrah and Deep needed to find 33 runs in order to avoid the follow-on, and realistically keep India's hopes of a draw alive.

And they did just that, with Bumrah finishing the day on 10 not out, while Deep reached stumps on an unbeaten 27 for a partnership of 39 as India closed on 252-9.

39*(54)

Jasprit Bumrah Akash Deep

Describe this partnership in one word #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/CbiPFf2gBc

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 17, 2024

Smith had earlier atoned for his drop when he got Rahul at the second time of asking, making a stunning catch to send the batter packing from Nathan Lyon's bowling.

Yet it was ultimately a frustrating end to the day for Australia, who also lost bowler Josh Hazlewood to injury.

Data Debrief: Half-century up for Starc

With Hazlewood out, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc had to take on more workload on Tuesday. As it stands, they have seven wickets between them – four for Cummins, three for Starc.

Starc's third dismissal saw him send Mohammed Siraj packing, and that brought up his 50th Test wicket at the Gabba.

He is the second pace bowler (and fourth bowler overall) to reach 50 wickets at the venue, where he has taken one wicket in 10 of his last 11 innings.