IND vs AUS : Akash Deep Reflects On 3rd Test Draw, Says 'Wasn't Looking To Save Follow-On'

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India found themselves in a precarious position during the Gabba Test against Australia, with the threat of a follow-on looming large.

However, a resilient partnership between Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah in the final session of Day 4 turned the tide.

The pair put together a vital 47-run stand for the tenth wicket, enabling India to avoid the follow-on and secure a draw, keeping the five-match series level at 1-1.

"We come to bat lower down the order, so contributions of 20-25-30 runs are very valuable. My mindset is just to contribute. I wasn't looking to save the follow-on that day; I was just looking not to get out. My mindset was this, God willing, we were able to save the follow-on," Akash told the reporters at the MCG on Sunday.

"When you save the match from such a situation, the entire team gets the confidence and our dressing room reflected just that. Everyone was having fun and enjoying," the 28-year-old further added.

The Bengal cricketer contributed 31 runs off 44 deliveries, hitting two boundaries and a six. This stands as the second-highest score by an Indian No. 11 against Australia. He skillfully found gaps and caused frustration for the Australian bowlers. After ensuring the follow-on was averted, he even launched a huge six over deep mid-wicket off Australian captain Pat Cummins.

As Deep was playing his first-ever series in Australia, Jasprit Bumrah helped him a lot in maintaining his discipline and sticking to the basics.

"This is my first time playing in Australia. Jassi bhai keeps on telling us things about how we can go about our job; it makes our job easy'', he told.

"He told me one thing, 'Don't get too excited. Just focus on your discipline. How you go about your job in Indian conditions, repeat that here.' He told me just this," the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) speedster further added.