January 3, 2025: Australia dominated from the first day of the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s fifth match, as India was bowled out for 185 in their first innings. By the end of the day, Australia had lost just one wicket and scored 9 runs.
Pant’s Impactful Innings:
Rishabh Pant (40 runs) was the highest scorer for India in their first innings. During his knock, Pant faced a challenging moment when two balls from Australian fast bowler Mitchell Stark struck him. Play had to be paused momentarily to check on his injury. Pant also hit a six, sending the ball to the side screen. A ladder had to be used to retrieve the ball.
Key Moments from the First Day:
Bumrah and Constance in Heated Exchange: During the final over of the day, a heated exchange occurred between Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah and Australian opener Sam Constance. Bumrah was ready to bowl the fifth delivery of the over when Usman Khawaja, who was at the crease, wasn’t prepared and signaled Bumrah to wait. This led to a furious exchange between Bumrah and Constance at the non-striker’s end. The umpire intervened, and in the following delivery, Bumrah claimed Khawaja’s wicket with a catch at slip from KL Rahul.
Pant’s Six Lands on the Side Screen: Pant hit the first six of India’s innings, taking on Australian bowler Hugh Webster. The ball went over the bowler’s head and landed on the side screen, where a ladder was needed to retrieve it.
Pant Hit Twice by Stark’s Balls: In the 35th over, Pant was hit on his left hand by Mitchell Stark’s delivery, a good length ball aimed at the stumps. The medical team quickly assessed Pant, and after a short break, he resumed batting. Later, in the 37th over, a bouncer from Stark struck Pant’s helmet, leaving the physio to attend to him. This injury paused the game for some time, and Stark, concerned, checked on Pant’s condition.
Shubman Gill’s Early Dismissal: India lost their third wicket in the final ball of the first session. Shubman Gill, who scored 20 runs, was dismissed off Nathan Lyon’s delivery. The ball took the edge of his bat and was caught by Steve Smith in the slip cordon.
Kohli Saved from Early Dismissal: Virat Kohli was given a reprieve on the first ball of his innings. On the fifth ball of the 8th over, a good length ball from the Australian bowler came close to Kohli’s off-stump. He attempted to defend, but the ball went off the outside edge and into the second slip, where Steve Smith dived and caught it. However, the third umpire ruled that the ball had touched the ground before Smith could complete the catch.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Opens India’s Account: Yashasvi Jaiswal opened India’s account with a boundary in the first over of the day. He hit Mitchell Stark’s third delivery for four, marking the start of India’s innings. Jaiswal made 10 runs off 26 balls.
Ravi Shastri and Mark Taylor Present the Trophy: Before the toss, former Indian cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri, along with former Australian captain Mark Taylor, presented the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the field. Shastri shared the moment on social media, saying, “It’s a privilege and an honor to lift the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with one of Australia’s best captains, Mark Anthony Taylor.”
Mark Waugh Presents Baggy Green Cap to Webster: All-rounder Hugh Webster made his Test debut for Australia in the fifth Test against India. Former Australian captain Mark Waugh presented him with the prestigious Baggy Green cap. Webster became the 469th cricketer to play for Australia in Tests, replacing Mitchell Marsh in the playing XI.
Key Highlights:
Rishabh Pant faced a tough challenge with Mitchell Stark’s deliveries but managed to contribute 40 runs.
A heated exchange between Jasprit Bumrah and Sam Constance led to Bumrah’s wicket of Usman Khawaja.
Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli were involved in key moments on the field, with Gill dismissed early and Kohli receiving a lifeline.
The presentation of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by Ravi Shastri and Mark Taylor added significance to the day’s events.
