Wasn't looking to save follow-on: Akash Deep opens up about Gabba batting effort

When Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah joined hands at the Gabba, Brisbane, India still required 32 runs to save the follow-on and make Australia bat again. Akash and Bumrah ensured that they did that, but that was not their aim. 

Akash reveals that his aim was not to get out and to bat for as long as possible. The duo eventually put on 47 for the final wicket, allowing India to draw the match

“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 reporters ahead of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The moment Akash played a square cut to the fence, which helped India avoid the follow-on, there were jubilant celebrations in the dressing room.

Speaking about that, Akash said, “When you save the match from such a situation, the entire team gains confidence, and our dressing room reflected just that. Everyone was having fun and enjoying."

Akash also opened up about the advice he received from Bumrah, who is the leading wicket-taker in the series. “This is my first time in Australia. Jassi bhai has given me small tips, which have helped me," the Bengal pacer said. 

“He never complicates anything. He told me, Don’t get overexcited; stay disciplined. The wicket has enough here for the fast bowlers; just keep bowling the way you bowl in India."

Speaking of the difference between playing in India and Australia, Akash said, "Back home, there is less help for the seamers, and we keep our length a bit short. Here, you get so much help, especially with the new ball, and sometimes, even if you are bowling well, you are only able to beat the batters. Then you feel that, oh, you can pitch it more fuller. As a fast bowler, you must stay in discipline."

“When I troubled Steve Smith so many times and didn’t get his wicket, I kind of started to question my luck. But then, sometimes you bowl such a spell and go wicketless; these things are not in your control. We can only bowl in good areas."

Akash's heroics with the bat in Brisbane has kept the series still level at 1-1. The two sides clash in Melbourne for the fourth Test, starting December 26. A win for either side will go a long way toward determining who will make it to yet another World Test Championship (WTC) final.