Sydney, January 4 – Indian bowlers put up a stellar performance on the second day of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, pushing Australia on the backfoot. By lunch, Australia managed 101/5, trailing India by 84 runs in the first innings. Beau Webster (28)* and Alex Carey (4)* were at the crease when the session ended.
India had earlier been bowled out for 185 runs in their first innings.
Poor Start for Australia
Australia’s innings got off to a shaky start as they lost their first wicket with just 9 runs on the board. Usman Khawaja fell cheaply, scoring just 2 runs, before being dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah struck again shortly after, sending Marnus Labuschagne (2) back to the pavilion with a catch behind the stumps by Rishabh Pant, leaving Australia at 15/2.
At 35/3, Mohammed Siraj provided India another breakthrough, dismissing Sam Constas for 6, caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Siraj continued his fine spell and removed Travis Head (4), who was caught at 39/4, dealing a severe blow to Australia.
Smith-Webster Partnership Stabilizes Innings
Following the early collapse, Steve Smith and Beau Webster tried to steady the ship, adding 57 runs for the fifth wicket. Just when it seemed Australia was clawing back, Prasidh Krishna struck, dismissing Smith for 30 at 96/5, giving India a crucial breakthrough.
After Smith’s dismissal, Carey joined Webster, and the pair ensured there were no further losses until lunch. Australia ended the session at 101/5, with Webster batting on 28 and Carey on 4.
Indian Bowling Performance
- Jasprit Bumrah: 2 wickets
- Mohammed Siraj: 2 wickets
- Prasidh Krishna: 1 wicket
India’s First Innings: All Out for 185
Earlier, India was bundled out for 185 runs in their first innings. Rishabh Pant top-scored with 40 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja contributed 26. Captain Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill added 22 and 20 runs, respectively.
For Australia, Scott Boland was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 wickets. Mitchell Starc bagged 3 wickets, while Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon chipped in with 2 and 1 wicket, respectively.
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.