Pant , Boland star on day 2 to set up 5th Ind v Aus test for a thrilling finish

 

By the end of Day 2 of the Sydney Test, it has become clear that the match will likely yield a result by the 3rd day itself . A total of 15 wickets fell on the day, with India strengthening its position by gaining a lead of 145 runs. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna's lethal bowling, followed by Rishabh Pant's explosive fifty, turned the tide in India's favour. However the  Aussies fought back too . At stumps, India stood at 141/6, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar at the crease.

The fifth and final match of the India-Australia Test series has reached an exciting juncture. India suffered a setback when skipper Jasprit Bumrah was injured, but Siraj and Krishna ensured his absence was not felt. Dismissing Australia for just 181 in their first innings, India gained a slim lead of 4 runs. Siraj and Krishna took three wickets each, while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Bumrah chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Australia's first innings was wrapped up for 181 runs on the second day. Notably, after Australia had lost six wickets, Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah left the field for a hospital scan. In his absence, India's remaining pacers delivered an exceptional performance, taking the final four wickets in quick succession. During this time, Virat Kohli assumed captaincy. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna claimed three wickets each, while Nitish Reddy and Bumrah picked up two wickets apiece.

Resuming their innings at 9/1, Australia lost their remaining nine wickets for just 172 runs. Bumrah provided the initial breakthrough, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne, who was caught behind by Rishabh Pant for just two runs. Mohammed Siraj then dismantled the Australian batting order, removing Sam Constas (23) and Travis Head (4) in the 12th over. Prasidh Krishna joined the attack, getting a good looking  Steve Smith caught by KL Rahul for 33 and later clean bowling Alex Carey, who managed 21 runs.

Debutant Beau Webster stood out for Australia, scoring a fighting half-century and played some impressive shots . However, Nitish Reddy's superb spell ensured the Australian innings folded quickly with Webster falling for 57 . Cummins (10) this time could not do the rescue act and the tail folded soon

India's Second Innings: A Mixed Start

India began their second innings with a steady opening stand as Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul added 42 runs for the first wicket. Jaiswal smacked Starc for 4 fours in the first over to announce his intentions. However, Boland dismissed Rahul for 13 and Jaiswal for 22 both of them bowled . Shubman Gill managed 13 runs before falling to debutant Webster playing a poor shot .

Virat Kohli’s  struggle continued as he edged a delivery outside off-stump to the slips, getting dismissed for just six runs by Boland. Rishabh Pant then stole the show with an aggressive knock, smashing 61 runs off 33 balls, including six boundaries and four sixes in a breathtaking display . Nitish Reddy, however, failed for the third consecutive innings, managing only four runs.

For Australia, Boland was the standout bowler with four wickets, while Pat Cummins and Webster took one wicket each.

The match remains finely poised as India builds on their lead, aiming to put pressure on the Australian side on day 3 which promises potentially to be the final day of this rivetting test series  .

The third day promises intense action as both teams vie for control of this crucial Test match. India's left handed pair needs to add some runs to get at least a 200 run target for Australia  in the fourth innings but if Bumrah who had gone for scans midway on the 2nd day is not available for bowling  then it might be advantage Australia.