Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Fifth Test, Day Two, Sydney
India 185 (Pant 40; Boland 4-31, Starc 3-49) & 141-6 (Pant 61; Boland 4-42)
Australia 181: Webster 57; Siraj 3-51, Krishna 3-42
India Lead by 145 Runs
Scorecard
Rishabh Pant’s electrifying knock of 61 off just 33 balls gave India a slender but significant 145-run lead over Australia after a thrilling day two of the final Test, where a staggering 15 wickets fell.
The Indian wicketkeeper-batter unleashed a spectacular counterattack after Australia’s Scott Boland had decimated India’s top order with a fiery spell. Boland’s heroics, alongside Australia’s 181-run first innings led by debutant Beau Webster’s composed 57, kept the contest finely balanced.
India skipper Jasprit Bumrah’s injury scare added to the drama, though he returned to the ground by the end of play, leaving his participation on day three uncertain.
Pant’s Fiery Innings Keeps India Alive
Pant arrived at the crease following Virat Kohli’s dismissal for just six, ending the Indian great’s final Test innings in Australia on a somber note. Wasting no time, Pant smashed Boland for a towering six over long-on, signaling his aggressive intent.
Despite a missed ramp shot early on, Pant continued his onslaught, forcing Australian captain Pat Cummins to spread six fielders to the boundary. He reached his half-century in just 29 balls, narrowly missing the record he set against Sri Lanka in 2022.
Pant’s dismissal, caught behind off Cummins, ended his thrilling knock, but his efforts ensured India stayed in the game. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar then steadied the innings after Nitish Kumar Reddy’s departure, taking India to stumps.
Australia’s fielding woes continued as Steve Smith dropped a catch off Jadeja, denying Webster a second wicket.
Webster Impresses on Debut as Boland Dominates
Replacing the out-of-form Mitchell Marsh, Webster proved his worth with a gritty 57, steering Australia out of early trouble. His six boundaries displayed his composure as he rebuilt after Mohammed Siraj’s double strike left Australia reeling at 39-4.
Webster also contributed with the ball, claiming his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Shubman Gill. He nearly had Jadeja too, but Smith failed to hold a tough chance.
Boland, however, stole the show with another masterful display, including a peach of a delivery that clean-bowled Yashasvi Jaiswal. The 35-year-old Victorian’s precise seam movement kept India on edge.
What Lies Ahead
With India six down and Bumrah’s fitness in question, Australia’s bowlers will aim to wrap up the Indian innings quickly on day three. However, the unpredictable nature of the second day suggests nothing can be taken for granted.
The outcome of this Test will not only decide the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with Australia leading the series 2-1, but also cement the legacy of a gripping contest.
Quotes and Reactions
Alex Carey (Australia):
“The game is in the balance. The pitch has bounce, and we back ourselves to take four quick wickets. Pant’s innings was brilliant, but if we can break this partnership, we’ll be in with a great chance.”
Glenn McGrath (Former Australian Bowler):
“Pant’s knock saved India from serious trouble. On this pitch, defending isn’t enough—you have to score. If Australia’s bowlers get on a roll, this could swing either way very quickly.”
With fast-forward cricket in play, day three promises more twists in a Test match for the ages.