Sun Jan 05 04:33:41 UTC 2025: ## India Faces uphill Battle in Oval Test Despite Krishna’s Bowling Prowess

**London:** India’s hopes of winning the fifth and final Test against Australia are hanging by a thread after the Aussies reached 71/3 at lunch on day three, chasing a modest 162-run target. While Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami took early wickets, Australia’s opening batsmen played cautiously while accumulating runs. Presiding over the proceedings, Prasidh Krishna shone, claiming three early wickets, dismissing Sam Conners, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith. However, the absence of injured captain Jasprit Bumrah due to a back spasm significantly hampered India’s bowling attack, leaving them short of a third specialist fast bowler.

Earlier, a stunning bowling performance from Scott Boland (6/45) and Pat Cummins (3/44) bundled out India for a paltry 157 in 39.5 overs. Rishabh Pant (61) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) were the only notable contributors in the Indian innings; the remaining nine batsmen managed a collective 74 runs. India added just 16 runs in the morning session before losing their remaining four wickets.

Australia now needs just 91 more runs to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and secure their place in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s from June 11-15. Despite early breakthroughs, India’s bowlers conceded easy runs later in the session. Conners’ aggressive batting approach, punctuated by eye-catching strokes, ended with a catch at mid-off to Krishna, while Labuschagne fell victim to a well-directed ball to Krishna. The highlight was a stunning catch by Jaiswal which removed Smith, just one run short of 10,000 Test runs, off Krishna’s delivery.

The article also briefly mentions business news including an upgrade in SBI Cards rating by a brokerage firm, positive developments for NTPC Green Energy, upcoming Indo Farm Equipment IPO, and Tata Sons chairman’s commitment to making Air India a top-tier airline. A user survey for improving the Business Standard Hindi website was also noted.

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