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The excitement of Test cricket often hinges on key moments that can change the momentum of the game. Day 1 of the fifth test between Australia i India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a dramatic incident unfolded just before lunch, marking a major turning point for India. Shubman Gillwho had been looking to stabilize the innings after a shaky start, fell victim Nathan Lyonit is cunning bowling.
A shaky start for India on day 1
India’s innings started under pressure as jasprit bumrahreplacing Rohit Sharmawon the toss and elected to bat first. The decision initially seemed optimistic, but quickly turned into a precarious situation. Both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal i KL Rahulthey were soon dismissed by Mitchell Starc i Scott Boland leaving India reeling with 17 runs for two wickets. The pressure was increasing as Virat Kohli came in to face a hostile Australian bowling attack, which had already set its sights on dismantling India’s batting line-up.
Short pass by Shubman Gill and missed opportunity
Gill came into the fold with high expectations after being selected to replace Rohit. He managed to forge a crucial partnership with Kohli, adding 40 runs for the third wicket. However, despite his promising start, Gill’s innings ended prematurely. As lunch approached, he faced Lyon in the final before the break. With India at 57 runs and three wickets down, Gill’s dismissal was not just a loss of a wicket; it was a psychological blow to the team.
Also WATCH: Steve Smith reacts after third umpire overrules his catch of Virat Kohli on Day 1 of SCG Test: AUS vs IND
Nathan Lyon receives Gill just before lunch
On the last ball of the 25th, Lyon bowled a pitch that was turned right to tempt Gill into a misguided charge into the field. Having confidently blocked the previous ball, he inexplicably decided to attack Lyon’s final delivery. The result was disastrous; he drove straight ahead of him Steve Smith on the first slide. That moment encapsulated Gill’s struggles throughout the series — his inability to convert starts into substantial scores has been a recurring theme. His dismissal for just 20 runs off 64 balls left India in a precarious position at lunch.
Here is the video:
Nathan Lyon gets a wicket on the last ball before lunch 👀#AUSWIN pic.twitter.com/B5nfTtBvem
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025
Steve Smith’s fiery reaction after the catch
The aftermath of Gill’s dismissal ignited tensions in the camp. Smith, visibly charged after taking the catch, directed a burst at Gill as he returned to the pavilion. This reaction stemmed from frustration over an earlier incident where Smith believed he had caught Kohli but was denied by the third umpire. The exchange between Smith and Gill added an extra layer of drama to an already tense match situation.
Reflections at lunch time with stabilized end of tea session
When the players retired for lunch, India found themselves in a difficult position with 57 runs for three wickets. The Australian team celebrated their timely breakthrough while India were left contemplating their strategy to move forward. With Kohli still in the fold but now joining them Rishabh pants after lunch, hopes remained that they could stabilize and build a competitive total.
The Test cricket session concluded with grit and determination. The session run rate of 2 clearly indicates the pressure exerted by the Australian bowlers during the afternoon, making it difficult for the Indian batsmen to score runs. When play resumed after lunch, Kohli adjusted his position effectively. However, his stay in the crease was brief as Boland coaxed him into a provisional cup away. Pant faced a rigorous examination, enduring relentless movement and unpredictable bounce that resulted in several painful blows to his body. Ravindra Jadeja he also found himself with a tough challenge, benefiting from two dropped catches that gave him a second chance. India at the end of Tea managed a total of 107/4.
