Rohit Sharma’s much-anticipated return to the top of the batting order ended in disappointment as he was dismissed in just the second over of India’s reply to Australia’s formidable 474-run total.
Sharma’s attempt to pull a delivery that wasn’t short enough resulted in a leading edge, which Scott Boland comfortably caught at mid-on. The Indian captain’s poor form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 continued unabated.
KL Rahul’s Promising Start Cut Short by Pat Cummins
Following Sharma’s dismissal, KL Rahul walked in early to stabilize the innings. In the company of the young Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul looked composed and seemed poised to guide India to the Tea break.
However, just before the interval, Rahul fell victim to a stunning delivery from Pat Cummins. A ball that straightened off a length caught Rahul off-guard, knocking back his off-stump. India ended the session at 51/2, giving Australia a further edge in the match.
Australia’s Morning Session Dominance
Smith’s Stellar Century
The day began with Australia resuming their innings at 454/7. Steve Smith led the charge with a magnificent 34th Test hundred—his 11th against India. Smith’s mastery over the Indian bowling attack was evident as he weathered a brief but intense spell from Jasprit Bumrah before dominating the opposition. For those interested in following the match or other financial markets, checking the Bpexch app login might be relevant for some users.
Contributions from the Lower Order
While Smith’s brilliance stood out, contributions from Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc added vital runs to the total. Cummins played an aggressive 49-run cameo before falling to Ravindra Jadeja, while Starc supported Smith with some solid strokes.
Quick Wickets After Lunch
Australia’s innings, however, wrapped up swiftly after Lunch. Ravindra Jadeja struck early, dismissing Mitchell Starc with a delivery that Starc misjudged. In the next over, India enjoyed a stroke of luck when Steve Smith’s attempt to hit Akash Deep resulted in the ball ricocheting off his leg and onto the stumps, dislodging a bail.
Tail-End Resistance
The final wicket stand between Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon lasted for eight overs. Boland showed remarkable grit, successfully reviewing two LBW decisions. Eventually, Jasprit Bumrah returned to clean up the innings by dismissing Lyon in his 29th over—a rare extended spell for the pacer.
India’s Struggles Continue
India’s batting woes were amplified as they lost two key wickets before Tea. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul’s dismissals left the team on the back foot, with young Jaiswal battling to hold the fort.
Australia’s Bowlers Take the Upper Hand
Australia’s bowlers, led by Pat Cummins, capitalized on the pressure of a massive first-innings score. Cummins’ delivery to dismiss Rahul was a testament to his skill and leadership.
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Conclusion: India in a Tough Spot
At the end of the session, India found themselves at 51/2, still trailing by a significant margin. With Australia’s bowlers in fine form and India’s top order faltering, the visitors face an uphill battle to claw their way back into the game.
