Australia Dismissed for 181; India Leads by 101 on Day 2 in Sydney

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India ended Day 2 of the fifth and final match of the Border-Gavaskar Test series at the Sydney Cricket Ground leading Australia by 145 runs in their second innings, having lost six wickets.

Australia’s bowlers, spearheaded by Mitchell Starc’s aggressive pace and Nathan Lyon’s skilled spin, maintained relentless pressure throughout the day.

Despite some resolute defensive efforts from India’s middle order, Australia’s bowlers continued to pick up wickets, leaving the Indian lower order to face the challenging task of fending off the hosts' attack.

Rishabh Pant top-scored for India with a blistering 61 from just 33 balls, including 6 fours and 4 sixes, displaying aggressive intent.

Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 22 runs off 35 balls, while KL Rahul made 13 off 20 balls. Shubman Gill, dismissed for 13, was caught behind off Beau Webster’s bowling. Virat Kohli fell for 6, caught by Steve Smith off the bowling of Boland. Nitish Kumar Reddy added 4 runs before being caught by Pat Cummins, also off Boland’s delivery.

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja remained not out on 8 from 39 balls, while Washington Sundar, with 6 off 17 balls, was also not out at stumps.

Boland was the standout bowler for Australia, claiming 4 wickets for 35 runs. Webster, Cummins, and Lyon each claimed one wicket.

Earlier, Australia had posted 181 in their first innings.

Siraj led the way with a brilliant spell, taking three wickets for just 35 runs, while Krishna and Reddy provided key breakthroughs, including the crucial removal of Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, for 10.

Beau Webster was the lone resistance for Australia, anchoring the innings with a patient 57, but without enough support from the other end, Australia was dismissed cheaply.

Meanwhile, there was concern in the Indian camp when Jasprit Bumrah was taken off the field for scans after experiencing some discomfort. He later returned to the stadium, much to the relief of fans, but his fitness going forward will be crucial for India’s plans.

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