IND vs AUS: Day one of the fifth Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed a familiar script for the Indian team. Batting first, India was once again unable to cope with the pressure of Australia’s formidable bowling attack, collapsing for just 185 runs.
Indian batting line-up did not take off despite a great effort from wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who scored the most runs for India with 40 runs. In response, Australia lost an early wicket and the score was 9/1 after just 3 overs. Jasprit Bumrah, who was leading the Indian team in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma, struck in the final over of the day to send back Usman Khawaja.
Indian Batting Line-up Fails Again In IND vs AUS on Day 1
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India’s batting line-up once again failed on Day 1 of the Sydney Test. The Indians had won the toss and elected to bat first, but the top order again crumbled under pressure. The pitch was not very testing, but it suited the fast bowlers, and the Australian fast bowlers exploited the conditions very well.
Virat Kohli, who has been under the pump throughout this series, did the same thing that has come to haunt him in the last few innings: trying to play a ball down the offside, Kohli edged it to the slip cordon, thus becoming his sixth dismissal in the last eight innings in this very manner. In this Test series, Kohli has not been able to apply himself as he had once again not been able to convert a good start into a big knock.
Rishabh Pant, who has been one of India’s main players over the past couple of years, was India’s top scorer on the day with a gritty 40 runs. Pant, an aggressive batsman, tried to hold the innings together but was kept under pressure by the Australian bowlers, forcing him to play a defensive role which was not in his character. In the end, Pant’s resistance ended, and all hope for a competitive total by India was gone.
Top Order Collapses at the Hands of Australian Fast Bowlers
Indian batting line-up crumbled in the face of the Australian fast bowlers. For the visitors, Scott Boland was the man of the moment, taking four wickets for just 31 runs. Three wickets for Mitchell Starc came with a lot of pace and bounce while two important ones for the team came from skipper Pat Cummins. India’s top-order, which had been the focus of much criticism in the previous matches, failed to produce any substantial partnerships. There was no half-century from any of the Indian batsmen, further compounding the team’s woes.
Indian innings were never in good momentum, the wickets were falling regularly throughout the Indian innings. When Pant was gone the lower order did not contribute to a solid partnership, there was great resilience from Jadeja and Sundar of the last few batsmen but that would not change much. The overall score for the Indian side, 185 was not even good enough, though they once more had to fight for survival bowling out the other team as economically as possible to stay in contention.
A glimmer of hope: Bumrah strikes late
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With Australia starting their innings late in the day, India was desperate for an early breakthrough to keep themselves in the contest. Jasprit Bumrah, who had been leading the Indian attack, delivered a key blow just before stumps. Usman Khawaja, who had been solid throughout the series, was dismissed by Bumrah for just 2 runs. The ball was well-pitched and angled across Khawaja, who nicked it to KL Rahul at first slip.
Bumrah’s success against Khawaja was a huge positive for India, as it was his sixth scalp of the series against the Australian opener. This wicket gave the Indian team some hope heading into the second day, with Australia now 9/1 in their response to India’s modest total.
India’s Struggles at the SCG
The Sydney Cricket Ground has been pretty unkind to India over the years. From the 13 Tests India has played in this venue, they have won just once. They do not lose games here without making things worthwhile, having managed to draw seven matches. Therefore, while history may be against India at the SCG, the desperation to change that history in an effort to win the series will definitely tell.
The bowlers will have to make the most of the conditions and get Australia out for a small total. India has been known to come out on top in tough situations, and it is hoped that this spirit will be the case in this must-win game.
A Test of India’s Resilience
This Test is a do-or-die situation for the visitors as they are trailing 1-2 in the series and have the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the line. The batting has been a major concern throughout the series, and the team needs to show significant improvement. On the other hand, India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah, will have to step up and deliver a strong performance to defend their modest total and keep the Australian batsmen under pressure.
So, when the first day of the Sydney Test came to a close, India was in a spot of bother. After a disappointing batting show, they were looking for more wickets with the ball. A score of 9/1 at 3 overs was the small consolation that the Indians managed to salvage, and they will have to sort themselves out in no time.
The team has the talent and experience to turn the tide, but it will require collective effort and a strong mindset to overcome the challenges posed by Australia. Day 2 promises to be a crucial one as India looks to fight back and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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