Fri Jan 03 02:40:00 UTC 2025: ## India’s Top Order Crumbles in Crucial Australia Test
**Sydney, Australia (January 3, 2025)** – India’s top batting order suffered a catastrophic collapse on the first day of the fifth and final Test against Australia, leaving their hopes of winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hanging by a thread. Within 21 overs, India lost three wickets for just 57 runs.
The early dismissals of KL Rahul (4 runs), Yashasvi Jaiswal (17 runs), and Shubman Gill (20 runs) left India reeling. Gill’s dismissal, caught by Steve Smith off Nathan Lyon, was a particularly damaging blow. While Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant remain at the crease, the early collapse puts immense pressure on the middle and lower order.
The absence of Rohit Sharma, who is resting for this match, has further compounded India’s woes, sparking speculation about his future in Test cricket after his recent T20 retirement. Jasprit Bumrah is captaining the side in Rohit’s stead.
Australia’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland, proved highly effective, consistently challenging the Indian batsmen. Australia currently holds a commanding 2-1 lead in the series. A loss in this crucial final match would hand Australia the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
First Piper 