India faced another first-innings batting collapse, managing only 185 runs on the opening day of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja late in the day, leaving Australia at 9/1 and trailing by 176 runs at stumps.
Scott Boland led Australia’s attack with figures of 4-31, supported by Mitchell Starc’s 3-49 and skipper Pat Cummins’ two wickets. Their relentless bowling on a grassy SCG pitch exploited India’s decision to bat first.
India’s top order faltered early, with KL Rahul (4) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (10) falling cheaply. Virat Kohli’s solid defence ended with a 17-run knock after being caught in the slips. Shubman Gill, despite a promising start, was dismissed for 20 just before lunch.
Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant top-scored with 40, showcasing grit despite enduring body blows. Ravindra Jadeja added 26, but India’s innings never gained momentum. Bumrah’s late 22-run cameo provided a brief spark before the innings folded in 72.2 overs.
Bumrah’s Late Strike Provides Relief For India
Australia’s innings began positively as Sam Konstas hit a boundary off the first ball. However, Bumrah dismissed Khawaja for two on the day’s final ball, offering India a morale boost.
Earlier, India’s bowling unit had limited time to respond after their batsmen faltered. Bumrah, captaining in Rohit Sharma’s absence, brought energy to the field as his late wicket ended a tough day on a positive note for the visitors.
Australia will resume on day two with Konstas unbeaten on seven, aiming to capitalize on their dominant bowling performance.
Brief Scores:
India 185/10 in 72.2 overs (Rishabh Pant 40, Ravindra Jadeja 26; Scott Boland 4-31, Mitchell Starc 3-49) lead Australia 9/1 in three overs (Sam Konstas 7 not out; Jasprit Bumrah 1-7) by 176 runs
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