India's Reaction To Avoiding Follow-On In 3rd Australia Test Receives Big Verdict: "Can't Control..."

Australia's veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon said a few of his team members were surprised over the reaction of members of the Indian team over avoiding the follow-on on Day Four of the third Test at Gabba. At the Gabba, the last wicket partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep helped India avoid the follow-on and averted a potential innings defeat. As soon as Akash got a thick outside edge over gully for four off Pat Cummins, it led to jubilant reactions and high-fives amongst captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir and talismanic batter Virat Kohli.

“There's a few of us who spoke about (how we're) surprised about their reaction. We have played well and driven the game to where we are. Frustrating but we are still sitting in the changing room 185 in front. I still feel if we bat well, we can push for an Australian win.”

“We can't control the weather. What we can control is our process. Especially against Jasprit Bumrah, he's been excellent this series. (India's reaction) looked like their top-order did not want to bat if we enforced the follow-on. Pushing to enforce the follow-on was pretty challenging with Josh out,” said Lyon to broadcasters Fox Sports during the rain break in day five's play.

With only 196 overs bowled in the Test so far, Lyon lamented about the weather disrupting the proceedings, especially after losing Hazlewood to calf strain. “It's really frustrating. It's been the trend of the week. I still feel we have a lot of cricket left in the game. We just need the weather to go away.”

“Mitch and Pat, they've been brilliant for Australia for a number of years and I'm very privileged to be part of this Australian bowling attack. Their work ethic is excellent. We pride ourselves on our