Jasprit Bumrah, leading India in the absence of Rohit Sharma, chose to bat first on a challenging green pitch
Scott Boland delivered a brilliant bowling performance as Australia dominated India on the first day of the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Boland’s precision and skill earned him figures of 4 for 31 in 20 overs, leaving India struggling at 185 all out.
Jasprit Bumrah, leading India in the absence of Rohit Sharma, chose to bat first on a challenging green pitch. However, the decision backfired as Australia’s bowlers quickly took control. Boland set the tone, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal in his first over, while Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins also chipped in to trouble India’s batters.
KL Rahul fell early, caught at square leg off Starc for 4, and Shubman Gill, stepping in for Rohit, made 20 before being caught at slip off Nathan Lyon just before lunch. Virat Kohli, who has struggled against Boland throughout the series, once again edged behind, falling for 17 after a determined 69-ball stay.
Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja tried to stabilize the innings with a 48-run stand, but Boland struck again with two quick wickets, dismissing Pant for 40 and Nitish Kumar Reddy for a duck. Starc and Cummins then cleaned up the lower order, leaving India with a below-par total.
Australia began their innings cautiously, but Bumrah provided a late breakthrough, removing Usman Khawaja with the final ball of the day. Bumrah’s animated celebration followed a heated exchange with Sam Konstas, adding drama to the close of play.
Australia ended the day at 9 for 1, trailing by 176 runs. With Boland in top form and tensions running high, the second day promises more action at the SCG.