Sat Jan 04 06:02:56 UTC 2025: ## India’s Fightback Stalled in Sydney Test as Boland Runs Riot
**Sydney, Australia:** Day two of the fifth and final Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground saw a dramatic shift in momentum. After India was bowled out for 185 on day one, Australia, resuming at 9/1, found themselves on the back foot early on, thanks to India’s bowlers. However, a stunning bowling performance by Australia’s Scott Boland turned the tide.
India, led by Jasprit Bumrah in Rohit Sharma’s absence, initially looked to build on their first-innings lead. Rishabh Pant provided a whirlwind cameo, playing a T20-style innings, but Boland proved too difficult to handle, eventually dismissing three key Indian batsmen – Virat Kohli (6), Shubman Gill (13), and a third wicket – leaving India struggling at 59/3. Pant played a brave innings, scoring 40 and providing a much needed boost to the team’s score.
Boland’s four wickets underscore his dominance, while Bumrah, who has already broken the record for most wickets in a Border-Gavaskar Trophy series (30), continues his pursuit of Bishan Singh Bedi’s record for most wickets by an Indian bowler in a series in Australia (31). The pitch, offering significant assistance to the bowlers, played a crucial role in the day’s events.
At the close of play on Day 2, India had extended their lead but the game remains tightly poised, with the Australian bowlers having shown their ability to turn the game on its head. The final day promises an exciting contest between bat and ball.
First Piper 