The Sydney Test has turned into a thrilling contest with the teams locked in an intense battle. Even after two days and 26 wickets falling, it’s impossible to predict a clear favorite.
Virat Kohli had just been dismissed, leaving the team in a shaky position, losing three wickets for 17 runs. Then Rishabh Pant walked in and made a statement with his very first ball—a massive six over long-on! Criticized earlier for throwing away his wicket, with Sunil Gavaskar calling him “stupid,” Pant silenced everyone by putting on a T20 batting display on the challenging Sydney pitch.
Despite significant seam movement and unpredictable bounce, Pant smashed a breathtaking 61 off 33 balls, tearing apart the Australian bowlers. Meanwhile, Scott Boland once again proved his worth. Often overlooked, Boland grabbed four wickets in both innings, underlining his consistent brilliance.
India managed to secure a slim four-run lead in the first innings, thanks to some exceptional bowling, even though their key bowler Jasprit Bumrah spent much of the time off the field due to an injury. Australia’s lower order crumbled, losing their last five wickets for just 19 runs.
India’s second innings started with fireworks, as Yashasvi Jaiswal hit four boundaries in Mitchell Starc’s opening over. However, the ever-reliable Boland struck back, dismantling India’s top order, including Kohli, who ended his series with a disappointing batting average of 23.75.
But Pant stole the show with his audacious stroke play. He hit sixes off Starc and Pat Cummins with ease, reaching his fifty off just 29 balls—the second-fastest by an Indian in Tests. His incredible counterattack ended when he chased a wide delivery from Cummins.
At stumps, India stood at 141/6, with a lead of 145 runs. On this tricky pitch, even a target of 180 could prove challenging for Australia. The fate of the match remains uncertain, especially with questions lingering over Bumrah’s fitness. His ability to bowl could play a significant role in determining the outcome of both the match and the series.
Brief Scores:
- India 1st innings: 185
- Australia 1st innings: 181 (Webster 57, Smith 33; Siraj 3/51, Prasidh 3/42)
- India 2nd innings: 141/6 (Pant 61; Boland 4/42)
