Stumps Summary
The second day of the Sydney Test has concluded, with India ending their second innings at 141/6. India took a 4-run lead in the first innings, and their total lead now stands at 145 runs with four wickets remaining. However, three full days of play are still left in this fifth and final Test match.
India’s Batting Collapse
India’s second innings crumbled like a house of cards. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who scored 40 in the first innings, played an aggressive knock in the second innings. He smashed 61 runs off just 33 balls, hitting 4 fours and 4 sixes. Pant became the second-fastest Indian to score a half-century in Test cricket.
Day 2 Match Progress
After gaining a 4-run first-innings lead, India managed to score 141 runs at the loss of six wickets by the end of Day 2. Rishabh Pant was the top scorer with 61 runs. Ravindra Jadeja (8*) and Washington Sundar (6*) remained unbeaten at stumps. For Australia, Scott Boland emerged as the most successful bowler, taking 4 wickets for 42 runs. Pat Cummins and Beau Webster chipped in with one wicket each.
Australia’s First-Innings Performance
At the close of play on Day 1, Australia were 9/1. Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja (2), who continued his poor form. Young opener Sam Konstas was unbeaten on 7 runs, having hit a boundary off Bumrah’s first ball. A brief heated exchange was observed between Bumrah and Konstas during the day.
Key Performances and Observations
Rohit Out, Kohli Under Pressure
Rohit Sharma was rested with a focus on the future, while Virat Kohli’s place in the playing XI raised questions due to his poor form. Kohli now has just one innings left to justify his spot in the Test team. Except for his century in the Perth Test, Kohli has averaged only 17.57 in his last 20 Test innings. On Day 2, Kohli narrowly avoided a first-ball dismissal but failed to capitalize, falling to Scott Boland post-lunch.
Rishabh Pant Adapts to Match Situations
Unlike his reckless shot selection in Melbourne, Rishabh Pant adapted to the match conditions, showcasing resilience in the second session. Despite being struck on the arms, helmet, and torso, Pant managed to play a crucial knock, including a straight six off Beau Webster.
Conclusion
India leads by 145 runs with three days of play remaining. The match is finely poised, with the Indian lower-order needing to contribute significantly to set a challenging target for Australia.
