Sat Jan 04 00:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Bumrah’s Final-Ball Strike Caps Tense Day One in Sydney Test
**Sydney, Australia –** India ended day one of the fifth and final Test against Australia on 9-1, thanks to a dramatic final-ball wicket taken by Jasprit Bumrah. The day was marked by a tense atmosphere, a fiery exchange between Bumrah and Australian batsmen, and a strong bowling performance by Australia that saw India dismissed for a relatively low 185.
Australia, needing only a draw to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, dominated much of the day’s play. Scott Boland was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking 4-31, including the wickets of Virat Kohli (17) and Rishabh Pant (40), the latter top-scoring for India. Mitchell Starc also contributed significantly, claiming 3-49. India’s batting struggled against the lively Sydney pitch, scoring just 57 runs in the morning session and a further 50 in the afternoon before a late flurry from Bumrah himself, who scored a quick 22.
The tension escalated in the final over when Bumrah accused Usman Khawaja of time-wasting. A heated exchange ensued between Bumrah and 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas, with the umpire needing to intervene. However, Bumrah had the last laugh, dismissing Khawaja for two with the final ball of the day, a catch taken by KL Rahul at second slip.
Despite India’s struggles with the bat, Bumrah’s late wicket injected some much-needed momentum into the tourists’ campaign. They now trail 2-1 in the series and must win this match to qualify for the World Test Championship final. While Australia will be confident heading into day two, the late drama suggests the series is far from over.
First Piper 