Twitter Reactions: Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc shine for Australia as India collapse to 185 on Day 1 of Sydney Test



India endured a rough start to the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, folding for a modest 185 in their first innings on Day 1. Opting to bat first on a surface that offered early support to the bowlers, India’s batting line-up faltered against a Australian clinical pace attack led by Scott Boland i Mitchell Starc.

while Rishabh pants i Ravindra Jadeja showed a brief counter-attack, frequent dismissals left the visitors struggling to build momentum. By stumps, Australia had he reached 9/1 in three overs, behind by 176 runswith jasprit bumrah give a key blow dismissing Usman Khawaja early

Failure of the first order hurts India: Virat Kohli and KL Rahul’s flop show

India’s decision to bat looked questionable at first as their top order crumbled under relentless pressure from the Australian pacers. KL Rahul fell in the fifth over to Starc for just 4, while Yashasvi Jaiswal followed soon after, bowling Boland for 8. With India at 17/2 in eight overs, the onus was on Shubman Gill i Virat Kohli to stabilize inputs. Gill struggled to find fluency, managing 20 runs off 64 balls before falling to Nathan Lyon. Kohli, known for his patience, also failed to convert his cautious start, departing for 17 after being caught brilliantly by Beau Webster in the Boland ravine. At lunch, India were 57/3, reeling under the impact of Australia’s disciplined and inscrutable bowling.

Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja offer brief resistance

The second session saw Pant and Jadeja trying to revive India’s innings with a 48-run fightback. Pant bowled with characteristic aggression, hitting back at the bowlers with 40 runs in 98 deliveries, including a six at mid-wicket and three sharp boundaries. Jadeja, taking a more cautious approach, contributed a resilient 26 off 95 balls, defying the Australian attack for much of the session.

However, Pant’s dismissal of Boland after tea led to a collapse, leaving India vulnerable once again. Jadeja fell soon after, caught lbw by Starc, and the lower order offered little resistance. Despite the small contributions of Washington Sundar (14) i jasprit bumrah (22), India were bowled out for 185 in 72.2 overs, a total that fell well short of expectations.

Australian pacers led by Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc dominate

Australia’s bowlers were outstanding, led by Boland’s brilliant spell of 4/31 in 20 overs. Boland used his accuracy and subtle movement to trouble the Indian batsmen consistently, dismissing key players like Kohli and Pant at crucial moments. Starc was equally effective, claiming 3/49 with his pace and swing, dismantling the lower order with accurate yorkers and short deliveries. Pat Cummins added two crucial scalps, while Lyon chipped in with Gill’s vital wicket. The Australian attack kept up relentless pressure throughout the innings, taking advantage of India’s inability to establish partnerships and keep the run rate in check.

Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant endures multiple body blows after being attacked by Aussie bowlers on Day 1 of SCG Test

Australia get off to a steady start despite the early loss of Usman Khawaja

Australia’s openers faced a tricky three-over period before stumps, scoring 9 runs but losing the wicket of Khawaja by 2. Bumrah, leading the Indian attack, bowled a strong delivery that Khawaja gloved to second slip, giving India a much-needed lead. Constas himselfmaking his Test debut, he looked composed and remained unbeaten in 7, showing early promise with his solid technique. with Marnus Labuschagne i Steve Smith waiting in the wings, Australia will aim to build a substantial first innings lead on Day 2.

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READ also: AUS vs IND: Ravi Shastri reveals why he didn’t ask Jasprit Bumrah about Rohit Sharma during toss at SCG Test





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