New Delhi: India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was notably absent from the field as Australia began their chase on Day 3 of the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). With Bumrah sidelined due to back spasms, Mohammed Siraj took the responsibility of opening the bowling attack for India.
India, dismissed for 157 in their second innings, set a 162-run target for Australia, who are leading the series 2-1 and are on the brink of regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15. A win or even a draw in this match would seal the series for the hosts and secure their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s in June, where they would face South Africa.
Bumrah’s Struggle Continues
Bumrah’s ongoing struggle with back spasms has raised concerns for the Indian camp. The ace pacer bowled just one over before leaving the field during the final session on Saturday. Despite his discomfort, he showed grit by coming out to bat as the last man in India’s innings but could not add much to the scoreboard.
India resumed their second innings on 141-6, but their lower-order resistance didn’t last long. The visitors managed to add only 16 more runs, with Australia’s bowling duo of Scott Boland and Pat Cummins wreaking havoc. Boland ended with sensational figures of 6-45, taking his match tally to 10 wickets, while Cummins contributed with 3-44.
Pant’s Explosive Knock Goes in Vain
Despite India’s batting collapse, Rishabh Pant provided a glimmer of hope with an aggressive innings of 61 runs. His explosive knock, laced with boundaries and counter-attacking strokes, was the standout performance in India’s innings. However, with little support from the other end, Pant’s efforts went in vain as Australia continued to dominate the game.
Australia Eye Historic Win
With a modest target of 162 runs, Australia are well-placed to wrap up the series on a high note. A victory would not only secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also boost their confidence ahead of the WTC final. All eyes are now on how India’s bowling unit, led by Siraj in the absence of Bumrah, performs under pressure.
Key Moments of Day 3
- Bumrah’s Exit: The Indian camp faced a significant setback when Bumrah, India’s strike bowler, could not take the field due to back spasms.
- Boland’s Brilliance: Scott Boland’s incredible figures of 6-45 proved decisive in restricting India to a low total.
- Pant’s Counter-Attack: Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 61 kept India in the game momentarily but wasn’t enough to build a challenging lead.
- Australia’s Advantage: With only 162 runs to chase, Australia are now favorites to seal the series.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
