AUS vs IND 5th Test Day 2 Highlights | India Edges Ahead in a Thrilling Contest at Sydney: 5th Test, Day 2 Stumps

 India Edges Ahead in a Thrilling Contest at Sydney: 5th Test, Day 2 Stumps

Scorecard Summary

Australia 1st Innings:
181 all out (Steven Smith 57, Beau Webster 57; Mohammed Siraj 3/51, Prasidh Krishna 3/42)

India 1st Innings:
185 all out (Rishabh Pant 40, Washington Sundar 14; Mitchell Starc 4/49, Scott Boland 4/31)

India 2nd Innings:
141/6 in 32 overs (Rishabh Pant 61, Yashasvi Jaiswal 22; Scott Boland 4/24, Pat Cummins 2/43)

Day 2 Stumps: India leads by 145 runs

A Low-Scoring Nail-Biter as India Leads Australia by 145 Runs with Four Wickets in Hand

India Gains Crucial Edge in the Fifth Test

The fifth and final Test of the India tour of Australia 2024-25 has turned into an enthralling spectacle at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. As Day 2 concluded, India found themselves in a commanding position, leading by 145 runs despite losing six wickets in their second innings. The low-scoring encounter has kept fans on edge, with the balance of power swinging between the two cricketing giants.

Day 2 Summary: Bowlers Dominate

The day began with India aiming to capitalize on their slender four-run first-innings lead after restricting Australia to 181 on Day 1. However, the Indian batting order struggled against Australia’s disciplined pace attack. Scott Boland’s fiery spell reduced India to 141 for 6 at stumps, but Rishabh Pant’s counterattacking 61 off 33 balls provided a much-needed impetus.

Boland was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, claiming four wickets in a spirited display of seam bowling. He removed key batters KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, leaving India in a precarious position before Ravindra Jadeja (8 not out) and Washington Sundar (6 not out) offered resistance.

Australia’s First Innings Collapse

Earlier, Australia faltered with the bat, managing only 181 in their first innings. Steven Smith’s fluent 57 and Beau Webster’s gritty 57 kept the hosts afloat amidst a collapse orchestrated by India’s seamers. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna combined to take six wickets, while Nitish Kumar Reddy’s all-round contribution included two vital scalps.

The Australian innings was marked by a lack of partnerships, with no batter other than Smith and Webster crossing 40. India’s disciplined bowling attack exploited the conditions expertly, giving their side a slight edge heading into their second innings.

Pant’s Heroics and India’s Fightback

India’s second innings began on a shaky note, losing KL Rahul (13) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) early to Boland’s precise bowling. Shubman Gill (13) and Virat Kohli (6) also fell cheaply, leaving India at 59 for 3. Pant’s aggressive knock, which included 13 boundaries, turned the momentum briefly in India’s favor. His daring counterattack kept the scoreboard ticking and frustrated the Australian bowlers.

Unfortunately for India, Pant fell to Pat Cummins, and Nitish Kumar Reddy departed shortly after, leaving the tail exposed. With Jadeja and Sundar still at the crease, India will look to extend their lead on Day 3, setting Australia a challenging target on a deteriorating pitch.

Boland and Cummins Shine for Australia

Scott Boland has been the standout performer for Australia with figures of 4 for 24 in 13 overs. His consistent line and length troubled the Indian batters throughout the day. Captain Pat Cummins also chipped in with two crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Pant. The Australian bowlers’ discipline and persistence have ensured that India doesn’t run away with the game despite their lead.

What Lies Ahead on Day 3

As Day 3 beckons, the match hangs in the balance. India’s ability to extend their lead will be critical, as anything above 200 could prove challenging for Australia on a pitch that has increasingly favored the bowlers. Australia, on the other hand, will rely on their top order to step up after a disappointing first innings.

The fifth Test has already delivered high drama, and cricket fans worldwide are bracing for another day of twists and turns.