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Twitter Reactions: Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc shine for Australia as India collapse to 185 on Day 1 of Sydney Test

Rachel09 mins



India endured a difficult start in his fifth Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, being bowled out for a modest 185 in their first innings on Day 1. Opting to bat first on a surface that offered timely help to the bowlers, India’s batting line-up collapsed against a clinical Australian attack led by Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc.

While Rishabh pants and Ravindra Jadeja featured a brief counter-attack, frequent turnovers leaving the visitors struggling to build momentum. After all, Australia had he reached 9/1 in three overs, trailing by 176 runswith jasprit bumrah striking a basic blow by striking out Usman Khawaja early.

Top-order failure hits India: Flop show from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul

India’s decision to bat initially looked dubious as their top order crumbled under relentless pressure from the Australian pacers. KL Rahul fell in the fifth over to Starc for just 4, while Yashasvi Jaiswalarge He followed soon after, bowling Boland for 8. With India at 17/2 inside eight overs, the onus was on Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli to stabilize the innings. Gill struggled to find fluency, managing 20 runs from 64 balls before falling Nathan Lyon. Kohli, known for his patience, also failed to convert his cautious start, departing for 17 after being brilliantly caught by Beau Webster in Boland’s gutter. By lunch, India were 57/3, reeling from the impact of Australia’s disciplined and probing bowling.

Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja offer brief resistance

The second session saw Pant and Jadeja try to revive India’s innings with a fighting 48-run stand. Pant played with characteristic aggression, countering the bowlers with 40 runs from 98 deliveries, including a six over mid-wicket and three sharp boundaries. Jadeja, adopting a more cautious approach, contributed a resilient 26 off 95 balls, defying the Australian attack for much of the session.

However, Pant’s dismissal to Boland after tea triggered a collapse, leaving India vulnerable once again. Jadeja fell soon after, trapped lbw by Starc, and the lower order offered little resistance. Despite small contributions from Washington Sudar (14) and jasprit bumrah (22), India were bowled out for 185 in 72.2 overs, a total that fell well short of expectations.

Australian pacers dominated by Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc

Australia’s bowlers were outstanding, led by Boland’s brilliant spell of 4/31 in 20 overs. Boland used his accuracy and fine movement to consistently trouble the Indians, dismissing key players like Kohli and Pant at crucial moments. Starc was equally effective, claiming 3/49 with his pace and swing, dismantling the lower order with accurate yorkers and short deliveries. Pat Cummins added two crucial scalps while Lyon chipped in with Gill’s vital wicket. The Australian attack maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings, taking advantage of India’s inability to build partnerships and keep the run rate in check.

Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant takes multiple body blows after being targeted by Aussie bowlers on Day 1 of SCG Test

Australia get off to a solid start despite the early loss of Usman Khawaja

Australia’s openers faced a tough spell of three overs before stumps, scoring 9 runs but losing the wicket of Khawaja for 2. Bumrah, who led India’s attack, bowled a sharp delivery that Khawaja took to second slip, giving in India an important discovery. Konstas himselfmaking his Test debut, he looked composed and remained unbeaten at 7, showing early promise with his steady technique. With Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith waiting in the wings, Australia will be looking to build a significant first innings lead on Day 2.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

READ ALSO: AUS vs IND: Ravi Shastri reveals why he didn’t ask Jasprit Bumrah about Rohit Sharma during SCG Test toss



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