AUS vs IND 5th Test Day 1 Highlights | Australia vs India, 5th Test: India Stumble as Australia Holds the Edge After Day 1

Australia vs India, 5th Test: India Stumble as Australia Holds the Edge After Day 1

Scorecard Summary

Australia vs India, 5th Test
Day 1: Stumps - Australia trail by 176 runs

Australia 1st Innings
9-1 (3 Ov)
Batter: Sam Konstas (7*), Usman Khawaja (2)
Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah (2-0-7-1)

India 1st Innings
185-10 (72.2 Ov)
Top Batter: Rishabh Pant (40), Ravindra Jadeja (26)
Bowler: Scott Boland (20-8-31-4), Mitchell Starc (18.5-4-93-4)

Sydney Cricket Ground Witnesses an Intense Battle on Day 1

The much-anticipated fifth Test between Australia and India began at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3, 2025. As the final showdown in a hard-fought series, the match holds immense significance, with both teams aiming to close the contest on a high note. However, after a rollercoaster opening day, the pendulum appears to be swinging slightly in Australia’s favor.

India’s Top Order Crumbles Under Pressure
Opting to bat after winning the toss, India began their innings with optimism, but early breakthroughs by Australia left the visitors in a precarious position. Yashasvi Jaiswal, a promising young talent, failed to convert his start, falling for just 10 runs to Scott Boland’s precise line and length. KL Rahul's struggles continued, as he was dismissed cheaply by Mitchell Starc, further denting India's hopes for a solid opening stand.

Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli tried to stabilize the innings, but their resistance was short-lived. Gill’s dismissal for 20 came at a critical juncture, and Kohli, battling a determined Australian attack, succumbed to a peach of a delivery by Boland for a mere 17. By lunch, India was tottering at 57/3, staring down the barrel of another batting collapse.

Rishabh Pant Shines Amidst the Ruins
Post-lunch, Rishabh Pant brought some much-needed firepower to the crease. Counterattacking with intent, Pant notched a quick-fire 40 off 98 deliveries, including three boundaries. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja momentarily gave India a glimmer of hope, but once again, the Australian pacers struck at crucial moments.

Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland were relentless, dismantling the middle and lower order with precision. Starc’s raw pace and Boland’s consistency saw them finish with figures of 4/93 and 4/31, respectively, showcasing their dominance on a bowler-friendly wicket.

Tail-End Resistance Adds Valuable Runs
India’s lower order, led by skipper Jasprit Bumrah, showed remarkable resilience. Bumrah, known more for his bowling, chipped in with a crucial 22, frustrating the Australian attack. Mohammed Siraj, too, added an unbeaten 3, as India pushed their total to 185 before being bowled out in 72.2 overs.

Pat Cummins and Beau Webster complemented the frontline bowlers well, with Cummins bagging two wickets and Webster keeping things tight in his spell.

Australia’s Response: A Cautious Start
Chasing 185, Australia’s openers Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja walked out with a clear plan: to see off the new ball under the evening lights. However, Bumrah had other ideas. The Indian captain struck in the third over, removing Khawaja for 2, courtesy of a sharp catch by Rahul in the slips.

Sam Konstas remained unbeaten on 7 as Australia ended the day at 9/1 after three overs, trailing by 176 runs. With the pitch still offering assistance to the bowlers, Day 2 promises an enthralling contest as India aims to claw their way back into the game.

Bowling Brilliance Steals the Show
Day 1 was dominated by the bowlers, with Scott Boland emerging as the star performer for Australia. His ability to extract bounce and movement troubled the Indian batters throughout their innings. Mitchell Starc’s fiery spell complemented Boland’s efforts, ensuring that the visitors never found their rhythm.

For India, Bumrah’s opening spell and Siraj’s control in the closing moments offered a glimmer of hope. With a fragile Australian batting lineup set to resume on Day 2, the Indian bowlers will need to deliver a disciplined performance to keep their side in the game.

The Road Ahead: Day 2 Expectations
As Day 2 looms, the match remains delicately poised. Australia holds a slight advantage, but India’s bowlers have the potential to turn the tide. A lot will depend on how the Australian middle order, featuring Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, and Travis Head, counters the challenge posed by Bumrah and Siraj.

For India, early wickets will be key to applying pressure and restricting Australia to a modest first-innings lead. The Sydney surface, known for assisting spinners in the later stages, could see Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar play a significant role as the match progresses.