The fifth and final Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground is turning out to be a gripping contest. After a challenging first day, the second day has brought a wave of excitement with India’s bowlers making significant inroads into the Australian batting lineup.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the match so far:
India’s Struggle in the First Innings
India, batting first, was bowled out for just 185 runs on Day 1. The Australian bowlers, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, showcased exceptional discipline and pace.
- Key Performers for Australia:
- Pat Cummins: 4 wickets
- Mitchell Starc: 3 wickets
India’s batting lineup struggled against the moving ball, with only Shubman Gill (45) and Ravindra Jadeja (37) putting up some resistance.
Day 2: India’s Bowlers Fight Back
1. Early Breakthroughs by Jasprit Bumrah
The day started with Australia resuming their innings at 14/0. Jasprit Bumrah, known for his accuracy and pace, gave India the first breakthrough by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne for just 2 runs. His lethal delivery nipped back sharply, rattling Labuschagne’s stumps.
- Bumrah’s Achievement:
- With this wicket, Bumrah became India’s highest wicket-taker in a single Test series in Australia, surpassing previous records.
2. Mohammed Siraj’s Impactful Over
Siraj delivered a game-changing over, dismissing both Sam Constas (23) and Travis Head (4) within a span of six balls. His sharp bouncers and impeccable line troubled the Aussie batsmen, leaving them struggling at 70/4.
3. Prasidh Krishna Breaks the Partnership
Steve Smith and Beau Webster tried to steady the ship with a 50-run partnership. However, Prasidh Krishna dismissed Smith for 33 runs with a delivery that caught the edge and was safely pouched by the wicketkeeper.
- Steve Smith’s Milestone Miss:
- Smith, who is just 14 runs short of reaching 10,000 Test runs, will have to wait for another innings to achieve this historic milestone.
Score Update at Lunch on Day 2
- India (1st Innings): 185 all out
- Australia (1st Innings): 101/5
The match is finely poised, with both teams fighting hard to gain an upper hand.
Key Talking Points
1. India’s Bowling Dominance
The Indian bowlers, led by Bumrah and Siraj, have brought their A-game to Sydney. Their consistent line and aggressive lengths have made it difficult for Australian batsmen to settle.
2. Australian Batting Woes
Despite starting strong in the series, Australia’s batting lineup has faltered under pressure in this match. The loss of experienced players like Labuschagne and Smith has put their middle and lower order under immense stress.
3. Rohit Sharma’s Absence
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who opted out of this match, clarified that it was a personal decision and dismissed rumors about retirement. His absence, however, has left a void in the Indian batting order.
What’s Next?
India will look to wrap up Australia’s innings quickly and gain a vital first-innings lead. On the other hand, Australia will rely on their lower-order batsmen to push the total closer to India’s 185.
The pitch at Sydney is offering assistance to both pacers and spinners, making this match a true test of skill and patience.
Final Thoughts
The Sydney Test is proving to be a fitting finale to an intense Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With both teams evenly matched, the outcome could swing either way. India’s bowlers have given the team a chance to bounce back, but the batters will need to step up in the second innings.
Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds!
