Fri Jan 03 06:18:03 UTC 2025: ## India Crumbles on Day 1 in Sydney Test Against Australia
**Sydney, Australia –** Day 1 of the fifth and final Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground saw a dominant display from the Australian bowling attack, leaving India reeling at 186/8 at stumps. India, winning the toss and electing to bat, suffered an early collapse, losing both openers KL Rahul (4) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (10) within the first 10 overs.
Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc were the chief destroyers for Australia, taking three and two wickets respectively. Boland, in particular, was unplayable at times, troubling the Indian batsmen with consistent seam movement and claiming the prized wicket of Virat Kohli (17). Starc also removed several key players, including Ravindra Jadeja (26).
Rishabh Pant (40) provided some resistance with a gritty knock, but he too eventually fell to Boland. The lower middle order offered little support, highlighting India’s struggles against a disciplined Australian attack. The pitch, described as green, proved challenging for the batsmen, and the Australian bowlers exploited the conditions expertly.
Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian team in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who reportedly opted out of the match. Beau Webster made his Test debut for Australia. The match continues with India needing a strong fightback on day 2 to avoid a substantial first-innings deficit.
First Piper 