Bumrah shakes Australia with a stunning Day One finale.©(@RichKettle07 )
Australia gained the upper hand on the opening day of the fifth Test in Sydney, dismissing India for 185 before closing at 9-1, thanks to a fiery final over by Jasprit Bumrah. The hosts, needing just a draw to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, showcased disciplined bowling on a lively pitch, with Scott Boland leading the charge with figures of 4-31. However, Bumrah’s dramatic late breakthrough offered a lifeline to the visitors, who must win to retain the trophy and keep their World Test Championship hopes alive.
India, playing without out-of-form captain Rohit Sharma, adopted a cautious approach on a surface offering bounce and seam movement. Runs were hard to come by, with just 57 in the morning session and 50 more by tea. Wickets tumbled regularly, and only Rishabh Pant showed resilience, top-scoring with a gritty 40 before falling to Boland in the 57th over.
Bumrah, stepping up as stand-in captain, added some fireworks late in India’s innings with a quick 22 off 17 balls, including three boundaries and a six. His dismissal left India with three overs to bowl at Australia under fading light. The fiery pacer made the most of the opportunity, dismissing Usman Khawaja for two on the day’s final ball. Bumrah, visibly frustrated by Australia’s time-wasting tactics, celebrated the wicket passionately, particularly after an animated exchange with 19-year-old Sam Konstas moments earlier.
Boland’s relentless accuracy and discipline were key to Australia’s dominance, with the seamer claiming crucial wickets, including Virat Kohli for 17. Kohli’s struggles continued as he edged behind for the sixth time in the series, while debutant Beau Webster delivered a promising performance, maintaining tight control with figures of 0-29 from 13 overs.
India’s tentative batting approach drew criticism, with many questioning the lack of aggression, particularly against Webster. Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann remarked, “India missed a trick. They should have been more aggressive. Australia bowled brilliantly, but India’s approach allowed them to dictate terms.”
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Australia’s batting lineup now faces a pivotal day two on a pitch that is expected to improve for batting. With a sunny weather forecast, the hosts will look to capitalize on their strong position and build a significant lead. Bumrah’s late strike may have lifted India’s spirits, but Australia remains firmly in control as the series finale unfolds.
