Sun Jan 05 01:00:00 UTC 2025: ## India Faces Uphill Battle in Sydney After Collapse; Australia Chases Modest Target
**Sydney, Australia:** India’s hopes of winning the fifth and final Test against Australia, and securing a place in the World Test Championship final, took a major blow on day three in Sydney. After setting Australia a seemingly manageable target of 162 runs, India’s batting order crumbled, collapsing to 157 all out. This followed a first innings lead of only 4 runs.
Rishabh Pant top-scored for India in the second innings with a blistering 61 off 33 balls, but no other batsman managed more than 22 runs. Australian bowler Scott Boland was the chief destroyer, claiming a remarkable 6 wickets in the innings to add to his 4 wickets from the first innings, finishing with a match haul of 10.
Australia’s chase began disastrously for India. The absence of Jasprit Bumrah (due to a back spasm) from the field left a noticeable gap in India’s bowling attack. The Australian openers launched a brutal assault, reaching 50 in just seven overs, raising concerns about India’s ability to defend the low total. Mohammad Siraj and Prasidh Krishna struggled with line and length.
While Prasidh Krishna provided some early respite for India, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne and Sam Conns, Steve Smith’s dismissal for 9999 runs was a significant moment. The Australian team ultimately reached 58 before the day ended, but several late wickets left the team needing 104 runs to win at the close of day 3. India’s chances of victory are now significantly diminished, with their fate hanging in the balance. The match continues on day four.
First Piper 