India's decision to bat first in the fifth Test against Australia backfired as they were bowled out for a mere 185 on the opening day at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday.
Australia bowlers, led by Scott Boland (4/31) and Mitchell Starc (3/49), made full use of the grassy pitch and overcast conditions, keeping India on the back foot throughout the day.
India's innings faltered from the outset, with the top order collapsing under Australia's disciplined attack. At lunch, India were in deep trouble at 57/3, with Virat Kohli (12) and Shubman Gill (20) being the only significant scorers.
The early breakthrough came in the fifth over when Starc removed KL Rahul (4), who misjudged a full delivery and flicked it to Sam Konstas at square leg. Boland followed up by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal (10), who edged a rising ball to the slip cordon, leaving India at a precarious 17/2.
Gill, who had managed a few streaky boundaries, fell just before lunch, caught at slip by Steven Smith off Nathan Lyon. India’s struggles deepened as they entered the break at 57/3, unable to handle the swing and bounce generated by the Australian bowlers.
Post-lunch, the pressure mounted as Boland struck again, removing both Rishabh Pant (40) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (0). Pant, who had been repeatedly troubled by short deliveries, was dismissed after being struck on the helmet by Boland. Though he briefly fought back with a six, Pant could not last much longer, leaving India at 120/5.
Ravindra Jadeja’s patient knock of 26 off 95 balls was ended by a delivery from Starc, while Washington Sundar (14) fell to Pat Cummins after a faint edge was caught on review. Jasprit Bumrah (22) provided some late resistance with a quick cameo, but India were ultimately bowled out for 185, with Cummins removing Bumrah to close the innings.
Australia's reply began under challenging conditions, but Bumrah gave India a glimmer of hope with a superb opening spell. In his second over, he dismissed Usman Khawaja for just 2, with a fuller delivery that edged off the left-hander's bat to KL Rahul at second slip.
At stumps, Australia were 9/1, trailing India by 176 runs, with Konstas (7*) at the crease. Bumrah's brilliant spell was the highlight for India, as the pacer bowled with great precision, taking 1/7 off 2 overs. The Indian fielders were on high alert, celebrating Khawaja’s wicket as the close of play approached.
With conditions still favouring the bowlers, India will look to capitalise on their early breakthrough on Day 2, while Australia will aim to reduce India’s first-innings total. The action resumes on Day 2, with Australia trailing and India hoping to build on their promising start. (UNI)
