India vs Australia 5th Test Day 1: Bumrah Strikes Late, Australia 9/1 at Stumps
On a gripping first day of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia found themselves in a commanding position despite a late setback. The match, which began on Friday, saw India struggle to post a competitive total after being put in to bat by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, who replaced the rested Rohit Sharma.
India’s innings was marred by a relentless Australian bowling attack, led by Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc. Boland claimed 4-31, while Starc took 3-49, as India were bundled out for a mere 185 runs. The Indian batting lineup, missing the regular captain Rohit Sharma, failed to muster any significant resistance. Virat Kohli, despite a narrow escape early in his innings, could only manage 17 runs, while Rishabh Pant’s battling 40 was the highest score for the visitors.
The Australian bowlers were clinical in their approach, with Boland making the most impact. He removed Yashasvi Jaiswal in his first over, and later dismissed Kohli and Nitish Kumar Reddy in quick succession. Starc, who had been under scrutiny due to fitness concerns, showed no signs of discomfort and troubled the Indian batsmen consistently.
In response, Australia lost Usman Khawaja for just 2 runs on the last ball before stumps, courtesy of a late strike by Jasprit Bumrah. This left Australia at 9/1 with Sam Konstas unbeaten on 7.
“It was disappointing losing a wicket on the last ball of the day, but it’s a pretty good position after they won the toss,” Scott Boland reflected on the day’s proceedings. “I felt like I bowled pretty good… a bit stiff still from Melbourne but happy with the way the day went. Hopefully, the sun’s out and we can bat all day (on Saturday). There’s still a nice covering of grass on the wicket and hopefully another good day for us tomorrow.”
The decision to rest Rohit Sharma, who has had a dismal series with just 31 runs from five innings, could have significant implications for his Test career. Australia, leading the series 2-1, are on the cusp of regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15.
As the series hangs in the balance, India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final are all but over, unless they secure a win and rely on favorable results from other matches. The stage is set for an intense second day, with Australia aiming to capitalize on their strong start and India looking to mount a comeback.
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