Fri Jan 03 06:18:01 UTC 2025: ## India’s Top Order Crumbles in Sydney as Australia Dominates Day 1

**Sydney, January 3, 2024** – India’s hopes of a comeback victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy suffered a significant blow on day one of the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney. After winning the toss and electing to bat, India’s top order collapsed spectacularly, leaving them struggling at 134/6 at stumps.

Jasprit Bumrah, leading the side in Rohit Sharma’s absence, watched as his team lost early wickets. KL Rahul (4) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (10) fell cheaply, followed by Shubman Gill (12) before lunch. Virat Kohli, despite a life early in his innings, managed only 17 runs, adding to his disappointing series performance. Rishabh Pant offered some resistance with a fighting 40 before he was dismissed, leaving Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to salvage the innings at the close of play.

Australia’s bowlers were disciplined and effective, with Scott Boland taking three crucial wickets. The Sydney Cricket Ground, where India has a poor historical record, once again proved challenging for the visitors. This match is crucial for India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship final. A win, combined with favorable results from the Sri Lanka-Australia series, would secure their place.

Elsewhere, news from India includes protests in Bihar over the BPSC re-examination, a fatal bus-truck collision in Palamu, and the BJP’s announcement of Manohar Lal Khattar’s responsibility for Bihar election management.

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