Sat Jan 04 01:00:00 UTC 2025: ## India’s Bowlers Dominate as Australia Crumbles for 181 in First Innings
**Sydney, Australia (Jan 4, 2025)** – Team India’s bowlers delivered a stunning performance on day one of the final Test against Australia, bowling out the hosts for a paltry 181 in response to India’s first innings total of 185. This leaves India with a slender four-run lead.
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna each claimed three wickets apiece, while Nitish Reddy took two crucial wickets in successive deliveries. The Australian batting order struggled against the relentless pace and accuracy of the Indian attack. Debutant Beau Webster top-scored for Australia with a fighting 57, but no other batsman managed to reach a significant score. Captain Jasprit Bumrah left the field mid-innings for a scan, but the remaining Indian bowlers stepped up their efforts in his absence, showcasing impressive team cohesion under Virat Kohli’s temporary captaincy.
Australia’s innings faltered early, losing wickets at regular intervals. The fall of Marnus Labuschagne (2) to a catch by Pant off Bumrah signaled the beginning of the collapse. Siraj then removed Sam Conners (23) and Travis Head (4) in quick succession. Prasidh Krishna then accounted for Steve Smith (33) and Alex Carey (21), further dismantling the Aussie middle order. Reddy’s two successive wickets and Kohli’s sharp catch to dismiss Pat Cummins (10) further emphasized India’s dominance.
Despite Webster’s half-century, the Indian bowlers maintained relentless pressure, ensuring Australia’s innings ended with a significant deficit. The final wicket fell to Siraj, clean bowling Scott Boland (9). India will be confident going into their second innings with a slight lead and the momentum firmly in their favor.
First Piper 