Sun Jan 05 04:09:53 UTC 2025: ## India’s Sydney Struggle: Experts Predict Victory Despite Wobbly Performance
**Sydney, Australia:** India’s fifth test against Australia in Sydney has taken a dramatic turn, leaving the team in a precarious position despite expert predictions of victory. After securing a slender 4-run lead in their first innings, India’s second innings collapsed to 6 wickets for 141 runs, leaving them with a 145-run overall lead. While the situation appears to favor Australia, former cricketers remain optimistic about India’s chances.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, commentating on the match, believes India still holds a 55-45 advantage. Dipdas Gupta similarly predicts an easy Indian win if they can set Australia a target of around 200 runs, citing the pitch’s favorable conditions for bowlers. However, the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled only 10 overs in Australia’s first innings before leaving the field for a scan, casts a shadow of uncertainty. Pathan suggests India could defend 185 runs even without Bumrah, but 200 would be safer.
Bumrah’s absence and the nature of the pitch are causing concern. Some believe Australia, considering their batting prowess and the pitch’s characteristics, could successfully chase a target as high as 250 runs; the highest successful chase at this ground is 287 runs by Australia.
India’s last victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground was in 1978. Their overall record at the venue stands at 1 win, 5 losses, and 7 draws from 13 matches. The final day promises a thrilling finish with the outcome still hanging in the balance.
First Piper 