To Leave Final India Test Finely Poised, Australia All Out For 181
Beau Webster made a commendable debut, scoring a gritty half-century, but Australia struggled against India, being bowled out for 181 at tea on Day 2 of the fifth Test in Sydney. The hosts trailed India by just four runs after losing their last wicket. Despite JaspritBumrah’s absence due to a potential injury, Prasidh Krishna (3-42), Mohammed Siraj (3-51), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2-32) stepped up effectively.
Australia began the session at 9 for 1 after Bumrah’s last-ball dismissal of Usman Khawaja on Day 1. Siraj and Bumrah had already dismantled the top order, with Siraj claiming key wickets, including Sam Konstas and Travis Head. Steve Smith, who was poised to reach 10,000 Test runs, fell to Krishna’s bowling as KL Rahul took a sharp catch.
Webster’s resilient 57 was the highlight for Australia, but the supporting batsmen faltered. The match remains finely poised; Australia can reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a win or draw, while India needs a victory to retain it. As the innings concluded, the pressure was on both teams to capitalize in the upcoming sessions.