India finds itself in a tricky situation on Day 2 of the 5th Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with the visitors leading by just 130 runs after losing five wickets. At 128/5 in their second innings, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja (2*) are at the crease, trying to stabilize the innings after key dismissals earlier in the day.
India’s Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill both fell early, adding pressure to the middle order. The Indian team had taken a slim 4-run lead after Australia’s first innings ended at 181, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance from Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, each grabbing three wickets. However, the batting lineup is now tasked with extending the lead to give their bowlers more room to defend.
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In Australia’s first innings, debutant Beau Webster was the only standout with a 57-run knock, offering some resistance while the rest of the lineup struggled. Despite Webster’s effort, Australia’s total was underwhelming, giving India a narrow advantage going into their second innings.
The morning session saw debutant Webster continuing to impress as he dismissed Shubman Gill for 13, leaving India at 97/4. Pant briefly countered with his aggressive play, smashing boundaries including a towering six off Scott Boland, but couldn’t hold on for long. Now, Jadeja’s resilience will be key in extending India’s lead as they push to build a competitive target.
Adding to India’s concerns, pacer Jasprit Bumrah left the field for scans due to discomfort but returned later, easing worries over his availability for the rest of the match. His fitness will be crucial to India’s plans going forward as they aim to take control of the match.
With the game finely poised, India will be banking on Pant and Jadeja to steer them into a safer position, while Australia looks to keep the pressure on and fight back.
