Rishabh Pant’s explosive half-century propelled India to 141/6 in their second innings, extending their lead to 145 runs over Australia on Day 2 of the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Earlier, Australia was bowled out for 181, giving India a slender lead.
India’s Early Struggles
India began their second innings with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. Both players looked fluent initially; however, Scott Boland struck first. He dismissed Rahul for 13, leaving India at 42/1. Shortly after, Jaiswal followed, bowled by Boland for 22.
Moreover, Virat Kohli then fell, caught in the slip by Steve Smith off Boland for 17. Consequently, India was in trouble at 59/3. To make matters worse, debutant Beau Webster dismissed Shubman Gill for 13, further hindering India’s progress.
Pant’s Explosive Counterattack
However, Rishabh Pant sparked a strong counterattack. He smashed a six off Mitchell Starc on his very first ball. Then, he hit three boundaries in a single over from Webster. Pant raced to a half-century in just 29 balls, which marked the second-fastest by an Indian in Tests. Ultimately, his knock of 61 off 33 balls, which included six boundaries and four sixes, lifted India to 124/5.
More Setbacks for India
Following Pant’s dismissal, Nitish Kumar Reddy added only 4 runs before getting caught at mid-off by Cummins, falling to Boland. At stumps, Ravindra Jadeja (8*) and Washington Sundar (6*) remained unbeaten, showing resilience to keep India’s lead intact.
Australia Struggles with the Bat
Earlier, Australia resumed Day 2 at 9/1. Jasprit Bumrah immediately made an impact, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne for just 2. In doing so, Bumrah surpassed the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi’s record for the most wickets by an Indian bowler in an overseas Test series.
Subsequently, Mohammed Siraj claimed two wickets in a single over, removing Sam Konstas for 23 and Travis Head for just 4. With Australia struggling at 59/3, debutant Beau Webster and Steven Smith tried to stabilize the innings. However, in the 28th over, Smith fell to Prasidh Krishna for 33, marking the fifth wicket for Australia.
Australia’s Lower Order Crumbles
Alex Carey then joined Webster at the crease. However, Australia’s lower order collapsed soon after. Webster played a brilliant knock of 57 off 105 balls before he was dismissed. Ultimately, Australia’s innings ended at 181 when Mohammed Siraj bowled out Scott Boland.
India’s Bowling Success
India’s bowlers delivered outstanding performances. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna each took three wickets, while Nitish Kumar Reddy and Jasprit Bumrah claimed two wickets each, maintaining constant pressure on the Australian batters.
Brief Scores
India: 185 & 141/6 (Rishabh Pant 61, Yashasvi Jaiswal 22; Scott Boland 4/42)
Australia: 181 (Beau Webster 57, Steven Smith 33; Prasidh Krishna 3/42)
