Sun Jan 05 02:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Australia on Brink of Victory in Sydney Test as India’s Batting Crumbles
**Sydney, Australia:** Australia is poised for victory on Day 3 of the fifth and final Test against India in Sydney. Chasing a modest 162-run target, the Australians reached 147/4 at tea, needing only 15 more runs to secure a win and a 10-year drought against India in Sydney.
India’s second innings capitulated for a paltry 157, despite a brisk 61 from Rishabh Pant (33 balls). Scott Boland was the star for Australia, taking 6 wickets in the innings to add to his 4 from the first, finishing with match figures of 10/110. His performance overshadowed the efforts of India’s Prasidh Krishna, who took three early wickets for Australia before Usman Khawaja and Travis Head steadied the innings with a half-century partnership. Khawaja was eventually dismissed by Mohammed Siraj for 41, and Smith fell for 9999 short of the milestone of 10,000 test runs.
The Australian openers launched a blistering attack, scoring 26 runs in the first two overs. The absence of Jasprit Bumrah from the field due to an injury added to India’s woes. Although Krishna provided early breakthroughs, Australia’s strong batting line-up proved too much for the depleted Indian bowling attack. The match is likely to conclude today, with Australia heavily favored for victory.
First Piper 