Sat Jan 04 08:32:59 UTC 2025: ## India Dominates Day 2 of Sydney Test Despite Late Wicket Collapse
**Sydney, Australia:** India ended day two of the fifth and final Test against Australia in a commanding position, despite a late collapse in their second innings. Resuming with a slender four-run lead from the first innings, India reached 141/6 at stumps, extending their overall lead to 145 runs.
Rishabh Pant was the star performer for India, smashing a breathtaking 61 runs off just 33 balls, including four boundaries and four sixes. His knock was the second-fastest half-century by an Indian in Test cricket. However, after Pant’s dismissal, the Indian batting order faltered, losing wickets in quick succession. Ravindra Jadeja (8*) and Washington Sundar (6*) will resume the innings on day three.
Scott Boland spearheaded the Australian bowling attack, claiming four crucial wickets for 42 runs. Pat Cummins and debutant Beau Webster each took one wicket.
Earlier in the day, Australia, resuming at 9/1, were bowled out for 181. Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja early, sparking a minor verbal altercation between Bumrah and Sam Conners. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna took three wickets each, while Bumrah and Nitish Reddy claimed two apiece.
India’s first innings saw Virat Kohli dismissed early for a low score, continuing a run of poor form. His dismissal prompted debate about his continued place in the team. Rohit Sharma was notably absent from the match due to an injury.
The match remains evenly poised with three days of play left, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the series.
First Piper 