Fri Jan 03 08:49:46 UTC 2025: **Australia Dominates Day One in Sydney Test, India Falters**
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Australia seized the early advantage in the World Test Championship final decider against India, bowling out the tourists for a paltry 185 on day one of the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. A sell-out crowd of 48,000 witnessed a dominant display of Australian pace bowling, spearheaded by Scott Boland’s impressive 4/31.
India, missing captain Rohit Sharma who opted to rest, struggled against the seam-friendly conditions. The top order crumbled early, with Shubman Gill (20) and Virat Kohli (17) among the notable failures. Rishabh Pant top-scored with 40, but his efforts were insufficient to prevent a collapse. Mitchell Starc also contributed significantly with 3/49.
While Jasprit Bumrah, India’s stand-in captain, dismissed Usman Khawaja for 2 late in the day, Australia finished the day on 9/1, with teenager Sam Konstas unbeaten on 7.
Despite Pant suggesting India’s score was competitive given the pitch conditions, Australia will be confident of building a substantial lead. Australia’s debutant all-rounder, Beau Webster, praised the bowling performance and expressed uncertainty about what constitutes a good score on the challenging pitch.
A win for Australia would secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and a place in the World Test Championship final. While India still have a chance to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, their day one performance leaves them with a significant uphill battle.
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