India endured a difficult start to the fifth Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, falling short of 185 in their first innings on Day 1. Opting to bat first on the pitch and providing quick support to the bowlers, the Indian batting line-up was in shambles against a clinical Australian team led by Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc.
When Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja showed a brief fightback, frequent dismissals left the visitors struggling to progress. With stumps, Australia was they reached 9/1 in three overs, trailing by 176 runsand Jasprit Bumrah hit the key to delete Usman Khawaja early.
Top order failure hurts India: Flop show from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul
India's decision to bat first looked questionable as their top order collapsed under pressure from the Australian bowlers. KL Rahul fell in the fifth over to Starc for 4, where Yashasvi Jaiswal he followed soon after, guiding Boland to 8. With India at 17/2 inside eight overs, the position was there. Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli to set up the innings. Gill struggled to get the ball rolling, managing 20 runs off 64 balls before falling Nathan Lyon. Kohli, known for his patience, also failed to change his cautious start, departing for 17 after being caught smartly. It's Webster near Boland. By lunch, India were 57/3, reeling under the influence of the experienced and probing Australian bowling.
Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja provide brief resistance
The second session saw Pant and Jadeja try to revive the Indian innings with a 48-run stand. Pant played aggressively, taking on the bowlers with 40 runs from 98, including a six over midwicket and three boundaries. Jadeja, adopting a tactical approach, made 26 off a solid 95 balls, teasing the Australian attack for a long time.
However, Pant's dismissal off Boland after tea fell, left India vulnerable again. Jadeja fell soon after, trapped by Starc, and the lows offered little resistance. Even small contributions from Washington Sundar (14) is Jasprit Bumrah (22), India were bowled out for 185 in 72.2 overs, a figure that fell short of expectations.
Australian pacers led by Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc dominate
The Australian bowlers were dominant, led by Boland who took 4/31 in 20 overs. Boland used his accuracy and clever pace to trouble the Indian batsmen continuously, dismissing key players like Kohli and Pant at crucial times. Starc was also effective, claiming 3/49 with his pace and swing, knocking down the order with real yorkers and short deliveries. Pat Cummins he added two vital scalps, while Lyon chipped in with the vital wicket of Gill. Australia's attack continued to be under pressure throughout, given India's inability to form partnerships and manage the run rate.
Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant struggles with bruises after being targeted by Australian players on Day 1 of Test at SCG
Australia get off to a slow start despite the loss of Usman Khawaja
The Australian openers faced more than three overs before crossing the stumps, scoring 9 runs but losing Khawaja's wicket for 2. Bumrah, who led the Indian attack, gave a sharp display which Khawaja did for the second over, giving India a much-needed boost. Konstas himselfmaking his Test debut, he looked composed and remained unbeaten at 7, showing early promise with his solid skills. I am Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith waiting in the wings, Australia will aim to build a bigger lead on Day 2.
Here's how Twitter did it:
Scott Boland has no social media, no tattoos so he can donate blood easily, no luxury cars, lives in a student class while earning 120K a week, donates 1/4 of his salary to charity & bought a 2nd hand Mini Cooper from to an old woman. & just saved the dogs life
What a man.ππ»
#AUSWIN pic.twitter.com/ZeIla0SKcn
β Luke (@Marruso89) January 3, 2025
Scott Boland is even more dangerous than his successors!
– Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 3, 2025
A real shame that Scott Boland didn't make his debut in test cricket until he was 33 years old.
β Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) January 3, 2025
Scott. Boland. π#AUSWIN pic.twitter.com/3NJQ3tq0eQ
– Sydney Cricket Ground (@scg) January 3, 2025
If you had told me 5 years ago that Scott Boland would take 50 test wickets at the age of 18 I would have contacted your family to seek help.
One of the most common issues in Test cricket.
β Nat Martin (@NatMartin30) January 3, 2025
Scott Boland is a consistent player, man. He has been different in this BGT, unlike the last two times. π
First Rishabh and now Nitish. I have no words. π
β Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) January 3, 2025
This series has been the biggest redemption for Mitchell Starc.
Bowling average of 30+ against India before this match and has been taking wickets whenever needed despite not being fit.
A successful determination is available.pic.twitter.com/RKC3OIvlWT– Abdullah (@abdullahhammad4) January 3, 2025
A day full of activities. This method works very well.
– Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 3, 2025
So Tweet π₯ #AUSWIN pic.twitter.com/7PUnZYzsRG
– S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) January 3, 2025
Day 1, Stumps
Australia: 9/1, trailing by 176 runs π#Cricket #AUSWIN #Jaspritbumrahπ΅ #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/eL79r6L59j
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 3, 2025