The fifth Test between Australia and India hangs tantalizing in the balance after a riveting second day at the Sydney Cricket Ground. India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant launched a breathtaking counterattack, smashing a 29-ball half-century to reignite the tourists’ hopes after Australia’s bowlers made early inroads. Pant’s pyrotechnics lit up the SCG as India reached 141-6 at stumps, leading by 145 runs in a low-scoring dogfight.
Australia began the day at 39-4 and could only muster 181 in their first dig, a slender lead of just 4 runs. Debutant Beau Webster top-scored with a gritty 57, the lone half-century of the innings, as Mohammed Siraj (3-41) and Prasidh Krishna (2-37) kept striking regular blows. India’s catching was outstanding, with KL Rahul snaffling 4 in the cordon.
Boland Brilliance Dents India
Australia hit back hard with the ball as the irrepressible Scott Boland continued his fairytale summer. Boland, who took 7 wickets in the first innings, knocked over both openers and the prized scalp of Virat Kohli to leave India wobbling at 59-3. But cometh the hour, cometh Pant.
Pant Blazes Away
Walking out with India under pressure, the flamboyant left-hander took the attack to the bowlers in scintillating fashion. Pant launched Boland over mid-wicket for a towering six off his first ball and never looked back. His audacious fifty came off just 29 deliveries, the fastest ever by an Indian in Tests vs Australia.
Rishabh Pant is an absolute freak. The faster the bowler, the more dangerous he becomes. What a special player.
Ian Bishop on commentary
Pant’s fireworks tilted the momentum back India’s way before he fell for a game-changing 61 off 35 balls. A fifty-run stand with the resolute Ravindra Jadeja pushed the lead past 100 as India fought fire with fire. At 141-6, with Jadeja still there and the lead already testing, India will believe they are in the ascendancy.
Bumrah Injury Scare
India faced an injury scare as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah left the ground during Australia’s innings with apparent back spasms. He was later spotted returning to the dressing room, sparking hopes he may be able to bowl again. His fitness could be pivotal on a pitch offering plenty for the quicks.
Fascinating Finish Awaits
After 15 wickets tumbled on a gripping day, both teams will fancy their chances in what shapes as a classic SCG finale. India will look to stretch their lead past 200 on day three, while Australia know early wickets could put them in the box seat. One thing is certain – with the series locked at 2-2, the fate of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hangs in the balance in this riveting decider.
- Key Day 2 Highlights:
- Pant blasts 29-ball fifty to revive India
- Australia bowled out for 181, lead by 4
- Boland snares Kohli among 3 vital top-order wickets
- Webster makes fighting 57 on debut
- Bumrah leaves field but later returns
