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

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India endured a tough start to the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, folding for a modest 185 in their first innings on Day 1. Opting to bat first on a surface offering early assistance to bowlers, India’s batting lineup faltered against a clinical Australian pace attack led by Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc.

While Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja showcased a brief fightback, frequent dismissals left the visitors struggling to build momentum. By stumps, Australia had reached 9/1 in three overs, trailing by 176 runs, with Jasprit Bumrah striking a key blow by dismissing Usman Khawaja early.

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

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

Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja offer brief resistance

The second session saw Pant and Jadeja attempting to revive India’s innings with a fighting 48-run stand. Pant played with characteristic aggression, counterattacking the bowlers with 40 runs off 98 deliveries, including a six over mid-wicket and three crisp 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 Sundar (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 led by Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc dominate

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

Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant sustains multiple body blows after being targeted by Australian bowlers on the Day 1 of the SCG Test

Australia begin steadily despite early loss of Usman Khawaja

Australia’s openers faced a tricky three-over spell before stumps, scoring 9 runs but losing the wicket of Khawaja for 2. Bumrah, leading India’s attack, delivered a sharp delivery that Khawaja gloved to second slip, giving India a much-needed breakthrough. Sam Konstas, making his Test debut, looked composed and remained unbeaten on 7, showing early promise with his solid technique. With Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith waiting in the wings, Australia will aim to build a substantial first-innings lead on Day 2.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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