India and Australia are locking horns in the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, with tensions and drama reaching their peak. After being thoroughly outplayed on Day 1, India staged a remarkable comeback on Day 2, turning the tide in a high-stakes contest that has captured the attention of cricket fans worldwide.
Winning the toss, India opted to bat first, a decision that quickly backfired. The Australian bowlers, relentless and precise, dominated from the outset, bundling out the visitors for a mere 185. Pat Cummins and his bowling unit exploited the overcast conditions and the grassy SCG pitch to perfection, leaving India in a precarious position at the close of Day 1.
WATCH – Mohammed Siraj Removes Sam Konstas and Travis Head In The Same Over
Australia, confident and poised to capitalize, aimed to extend their control with a commanding batting performance. However, India had other plans. The momentum shifted late on Day 1 when Jasprit Bumrah struck to dismiss Usman Khawaja, giving India a vital breakthrough and injecting a spark into their campaign.
Rohit Sharma is out in the high vis, not quite delivering drinks or holding up the umbrella but having a chat with Jasprit Bumrah #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/cge7Lpl1Dx
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 4, 2025
Rohit Sharma talking with Bumrah & Pant during the drinks break. [📸: CricSubhayan] pic.twitter.com/CCY9TbXUmf
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 4, 2025
Carrying that energy into Day 2, India’s bowlers were on a mission. Mohammed Siraj set the tone with a fiery spell, removing the in-form Sam Konstas and the dangerous Travis Head in the same over. Shortly before, Bumrah had removed Marnus Labuschagne early in the session, ensuring the Australian innings never gained stability.
Just as India seemed to seize complete control, a resilient partnership between Steve Smith and debutant Beau Webster tested their resolve. The duo’s defiance frustrated the Indian bowlers, prompting a pivotal moment when Rohit Sharma, the regular captain who had been rested, walked onto the field to deliver drinks and offer strategic advice to stand-in skipper Bumrah.
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The impact of Rohit’s counsel was immediate. Prasidh Krishna, maintaining a disciplined line and length, dismissed Smith shortly after, breaking the partnership and restoring India’s dominance. The camaraderie and determination displayed by the Indian team, rallying together to outwit the Australians, thrilled fans and kept the series finale finely poised.
