Fri Jan 03 02:40:00 UTC 2025: ## India Crumbles in Sydney, Bowled Out for 185 on Day 1

**Sydney, Australia:** India’s batting woes continued on day one of the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney, as they were bowled out for a paltry 185 runs in 72.2 overs. The team’s struggles mirrored their performance in previous matches, failing to overcome their weaknesses against a disciplined Australian bowling attack.

Rishabh Pant top-scored with 40 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja (26), Jasprit Bumrah (22), Shubman Gill (20), and Virat Kohli (17) offered some resistance. However, the top order faltered significantly, with KL Rahul (4) and Nitish Rana (0) failing to make an impact.

Scott Boland led the Australian attack with four wickets, while Mitchell Starc claimed three and Pat Cummins took two. Nathan Lyon also contributed one wicket. The Indian openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, lost their composure early, succumbing to the pressure exerted by Starc and Boland’s accurate bowling.

Virat Kohli, despite shouldering increased responsibility in the absence of Rohit Sharma, failed to capitalize on a stroke of luck and was dismissed playing an unnecessary shot off the off side. Shubman Gill also fell victim to a rash shot before lunch. Rishabh Pant, despite showing promise, fell short of a half-century, losing his wicket attempting a short-pitched delivery.

At one stage, India appeared to be heading towards a score similar to their Perth performance, where they were dismissed for under 150. However, a defiant lower-order partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj salvaged some respectability, adding valuable runs after the collapse of the top and middle order. Bumrah top scored for the lower order with 22, displaying aggressive batting before eventually falling as the last wicket.

The poor batting performance raises serious concerns for India ahead of the remaining days of the match, highlighting the need for a significant improvement in their batting strategy and execution.

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