Sat Jan 04 09:26:37 UTC 2025: ## India Overcome Bumrah Injury, Leave Australia Stumbling in Sydney Thriller
**Sydney, Australia:** A dramatic second day of the fifth Test between India and Australia saw India seize the advantage despite the injury-forced withdrawal of their captain, Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah, who took an early wicket, left the field after lunch with a back spasm, but India’s bowlers rallied to dismiss Australia for 181.
Despite the absence of their leader, India reached 141/6 at stumps, securing a 145-run overall lead. Prasidh Krishna (3-42) and Mohammed Siraj (3-51) filled the void left by Bumrah, alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, dismantling the Australian batting order. Rishabh Pant’s explosive 61, including a stunning 28-ball fifty, provided a highlight for India, before Scott Boland (4-42) clawed back wickets for Australia in the final session.
Debutant Beau Webster’s 57 was Australia’s top score, while Boland continued his impressive form, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, the latter to the delight of the home crowd. Kohli’s dismissal was met with a mixture of cheers and boos, given the anticipated nature of his final innings in Australia.
Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, attributed the high number of wickets to the “generational” bowling talent on display from both teams. He outlined the team’s strategy for Day Three: “First and foremost, we’ve got four wickets to get, to try to keep that total as low as possible.”
India, now captained by Virat Kohli, needs a win to level the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. An Australian victory would not only secure the series win but also a place in the World Test Championship final. The thrilling contest continues with India holding a significant lead going into Day Three.
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