The performance of the Indian team was average on the first day of the fifth and final Test being played between India and Australia in Sydney. Rishabh Pant batted well in difficult conditions and fought despite injuries. At the same time, star batsman Virat Kohli once again lost his wicket on a ball outside the off stump.
First day’s play: India’s slow start
- Till tea break, India scored 104 runs losing 4 wickets.
- Rishabh Pant remains at the crease after scoring 32 runs in 80 balls.
- Ravindra Jadeja: Supporting him by scoring 11 runs in 50 balls.
- In the first session, India scored only 50 runs in 25 overs.
Virat Kohli’s struggle continues
- Kohli scored 17 runs in 69 balls and was caught in the slip off Scott Boland.
- He once again became the victim of losing his wicket on a ball going outside the off stump.
- Earlier, after lunch, Kohli had a narrow escape when Steve Smith claimed his catch.
- Replays proved that the ball had touched the ground.
Statistics:
- Kohli’s average in the last 20 Test innings has been only 17.57.
- Barring the century in the Perth Test, his recent performances have been well below his career levels.
Rishabh Pant’s discipline
- Pant played according to the situation and avoided risky shots.
- He showed confidence by hitting Nathan Lyon for a four on the backcut and Beau Webster for a six.
- Although Pant was hit by balls on his arms, helmet, and stomach while playing, he showed the courage to remain at the crease.
Shubman Gill and the top order struggle
- Shubman Gill (20 runs, 64 balls):
- He was seen playing bravely but was caught out in the slip off the bowling of Nathan Lyon.
- KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened India’s innings but both were out in the first hour.
KL Rahul:
- Rahul started well but was caught at square leg by Mitchell Starc.
- He was out by Sam Constas.
Yashasvi Jaiswal:
- Jaiswal started with confidence and also scored four runs on the on-drive.
- However, he was caught by Beau Webster at slip off the bowling of Scott Boland.
Rohit Sharma did not play, Bumrah captained
- Regular captain Rohit Sharma decided to rest himself due to poor form.
- The command of the team was in the hands of acting captain Jasprit Bumrah.
- Bumrah won the toss and decided to bat first.
Australia’s bowling performance
- Scott Boland: Troubled the Indian batsmen by taking 2 wickets.
- Mitchell Starc: Gave an initial blow to India by dismissing Rahul.
- Nathan Lyon: Ended the session by dismissing Gill on the last ball.
