India found itself in a challenging position on Day 2 of the fifth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, leading by just 130 runs after losing five wickets. At 128/5 in their second innings, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja, with two runs, were at the crease.
Earlier, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill were dismissed. India had managed a slender 4-run lead following Australia’s first innings, which ended at 181. India’s bowlers had been effective, with Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Nitish Kumar Reddy taking three wickets each.
Australia’s main resistance in their first innings came from debutant Beau Webster, who fought hard for a 57-run knock, but it wasn’t enough to provide Australia with a significant total.
India faced a setback in the morning session when Shubman Gill was dismissed for 13 by debutant Webster, reducing the score to 97/4. Pant and Jadeja now had the task of stabilizing the innings. Pant continued his aggressive approach, hitting boundaries, including a huge six off Scott Boland. However, India still needed to build a larger lead. Jadeja, known for his solid resilience, is expected to play a key role in stabilizing the innings.
Earlier, India’s bowlers had dominated Australia’s first innings, dismissing them for just 181. Siraj led the charge with three wickets for 35 runs, while Krishna and Reddy also took vital wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Australian captain Pat Cummins for 10. Websterโs 57 was the highlight for Australia, but he had little support from his teammates.
There was also concern for India when Jasprit Bumrah had to leave the field for scans after experiencing discomfort. However, he returned to the ground, much to the relief of the Indian camp, but his fitness will be critical as the match progresses.
While India remains in control, Pantโs performance will be crucial as they look to extend their lead.
