Rishabh Pant’s fifty, Scott Boland’s four-fer keep SCG Test balanced

India ended day two of the fifth Test in Sydney with a 145-run lead, despite Scott Boland's incisive bowling and the uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's fitness. The game remains on a knife's edge, with both teams fighting hard in a second-innings battle.

India's second innings saw a blistering 29-ball half-century from Rishabh Pant, his second-fastest in Test cricket, following his record against Sri Lanka in 2022. Pant's attacking knock countered Boland’s precision, which had dismantled India's top order. Boland claimed four wickets for 42 runs, including the crucial dismissals of KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli. Kohli, frustrated after being dismissed for the eighth time in the series to an edge, was visibly upset, punching his leg as he walked off.

Earlier, India had secured a slim four-run first-innings lead by bowling Australia out for 181. India's support bowlers shone in Bumrah's absence after he left the field for scans due to back spasms. Prasidh Krishna marked his return with figures of 3 for 42, including the dismissals of Steven Smith and Alex Carey. Reddy also impressed with two quick wickets, helping India wrap up Australia’s innings swiftly.

Beau Webster, on debut, top-scored for Australia with a gritty 57, becoming the first Australian since Adam Voges in 2015 to score a fifty on debut. He also contributed with the ball, taking his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Shubman Gill.

Australia's innings began with Jasprit Bumrah removing Marnus Labuschagne for 2, surpassing Bishen Singh Bedi's record for the most wickets by an Indian bowler on an Australian tour. Mohammed Siraj then capitalized on the conditions, using swing to dismiss Sam Konstas and Travis Head in quick succession.

India’s second innings started aggressively, with Jaiswal striking four boundaries in the opening over. However, Boland’s masterful spell brought Australia back into the contest. Pant's counterattack, including a helicopter six off Mitchell Starc, thrilled the crowd but couldn’t last long as he was caught chasing a wide delivery.

At stumps, the match remains finely poised. With Bumrah's availability uncertain, Australia's chances hinge on exploiting India's lower order, while India will aim to extend their lead and put pressure on Australia in the final innings.