India dramatically lost their third wicket just before the lunch break on Day 1 of the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Nathan Lyon struck with the final ball of the session, dismissing Shubman Gill, who edged a sharp-turning delivery to Steve Smith at first slip. Smith, visibly fired up, let his emotions spill over, directing harsh words at the departing batter.
India’s innings began on a shaky note after stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, replacing Rohit Sharma, opted to bat first. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul tried to weather the storm, but Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland were relentless. The fiery duo dismissed both openers cheaply, reducing India to 17 for 2.
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Virat Kohli then took centre stage, surviving a controversial moment on the very first ball he faced. Scott Boland found Kohli’s edge, and Smith appeared to complete the catch at slip. However, replays showed the ball touched the ground, and the TV umpire overturned the dismissal, giving Kohli a lifeline. Making the most of it, Kohli partnered with Gill to add 40 runs for the third wicket, stabilizing India’s innings.
Nathan Lyon gets a wicket on the last ball before lunch 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/B5nfTtBvem
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025
Just as India seemed to be finding their footing, Pat Cummins brought Nathan Lyon into the attack for the final over before lunch. Lyon delivered instantly, tempting Gill into a rash shot. After confidently defending earlier deliveries, Gill inexplicably charged down the track on the last ball, edging it to Smith. The wicketkeeper’s safe hands ended a promising partnership and left India reeling.
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Smith’s frustration from the overturned Kohli catch seemed to boil over, as he vented his anger at Gill on his way back to the pavilion. The Australians, however, celebrated Lyon’s crucial breakthrough, knowing the dismissal had tipped the balance in their favor.
At the lunch interval, India’s scoreboard read 57 for 3, with Kohli still at the crease. The session highlighted Australia’s disciplined bowling and aggressive fielding, putting the visitors under immense pressure.
