Sat Jan 04 08:58:22 UTC 2025: ## India Dominates Day 2 in Sydney, Pant Blasts Quickfire Fifty
**Sydney, Australia –** India seized control of the fifth and final Test against Australia on Day 2 in Sydney, despite a depleted bowling attack. After dismissing the hosts for a modest 181, India reached 141/6 at stumps, holding a commanding 145-run lead. The day belonged to Rishabh Pant, who smashed a breathtaking 61 off just 33 balls, including the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in Test cricket (29 balls).
India’s bowling attack, missing Jasprit Bumrah who left the field for scans due to an unspecified injury, displayed impressive resilience. Mohammed Siraj (3/51), Prasidh Krishna (3/42), and Nitish Reddy (2/32) stepped up, effectively dismantling the Australian batting lineup. Bumrah, despite his early exit, still managed to claim 2/33.
While India’s batting faltered after Pant’s explosive innings, Ravindra Jadeja (8*) and Washington Sundar (6*) will resume on Day 3, aiming to further extend India’s lead.
Captain Rohit Sharma dismissed speculation about his retirement, stating that external opinions won’t influence his decisions. The match remains keenly contested, with India in a strong position heading into the crucial Day 3.
First Piper 