Sydney [Australia], January 3 (ANI): Scott Boland’s sensational spell dismantled India’s batting lineup, helping Australia bowl out the visitors for a mere 185 runs on Day 1 of the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Despite determined knocks from Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, India struggled against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack.
At the close of play, Australia was 9/1, with Sam Konstas unbeaten on 7*, after Jasprit Bumrah gave India a glimmer of hope by dismissing Usman Khawaja on the last ball of the day.
India resumed after tea at 107/4, with Pant (32*) and Jadeja (11*) still at the crease. However, their fight was halted by Boland, who got Pant out for 40 with a well-timed delivery, catching the left-hander off guard. India slipped further to 120/5.
Boland’s brilliance continued as he dismissed in-form Nitish Kumar Reddy for a duck, with Steve Smith taking the catch at slips, reducing India to 120/6. Jadeja, who had batted resiliently for his 26 off 95 balls, was the next to fall, trapped LBW by Mitchell Starc, bringing India to 134/7.
The day was marred by a controversial dismissal of Washington Sundar, who was caught behind by Alex Carey off Pat Cummins for 14, with doubts over whether the ball had hit his bat or gloves. Sundar’s dismissal left India at 148/8.
Prasidh Krishna was dismissed for just three, caught by Sam Konstas off Starc, as India collapsed to 168/9. Bumrah provided some resistance, contributing 22 runs in 17 balls before being caught at midwicket off Cummins, leaving India all out for 185 in 72.2 overs.
Boland was the standout bowler for Australia, claiming 4/31, while Starc (3/49) and Cummins (2/37) provided valuable support.
Earlier, India had won the toss and elected to bat. Openers KL Rahul (4) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (10) failed to establish a strong partnership, with Starc and Boland making early breakthroughs. Just before the first session concluded, Nathan Lyon dismissed Shubman Gill (20), leaving India at 57/3 at lunch.
At tea, India was 107/4, with Pant and Jadeja stabilizing the innings. However, India’s woes continued as they lost wickets in quick succession post-tea.
Brief Scores:
India: 185 (Rishabh Pant 40, Ravindra Jadeja 26; Scott Boland 4/31)
Australia: 9/1 (Khawaja 2, Konstas 7*)