Fri Jan 03 08:49:01 UTC 2025: ## India Collapse on Day 1 of Sydney Test, Australia Stumbles in Reply
**Sydney, Australia:** A dramatic first day of the inconsequential fifth Test between India and Australia ended with the tourists in a precarious position. India, electing to bat first, were bowled out for a paltry 185, despite a fighting 40 from Rishabh Pant. Australia reached 9/1 at stumps, Usman Khawaja falling victim to Jasprit Bumrah in a heated exchange with Sam Conis.
Scott Boland spearheaded Australia’s bowling attack, claiming four wickets, while Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins took three and two respectively. India’s innings was punctuated by controversy. Washington Sundar was controversially given out LBW despite snickometer showing no edge, a decision that added to the frustration for the Indian team. Pant, once again, fell victim to a pull shot. Virat Kohli, continuing his struggles, was caught at slip for the seventh time in this series.
Bumrah’s aggressive spell at the end of the day saw him dismiss Khawaja off the final ball, sparking a heated exchange between Bumrah and Conis during the over. Bumrah himself earlier played a attacking innings, scoring a quick 22 before being dismissed by Cummins.
The day highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both sides. While India’s batting crumbled under the pressure of the Australian bowling attack, particularly Boland’s persistent accuracy, Australia’s reply was thwarted by a late strike from Bumrah. The remaining four days promise a compelling contest.
First Piper 