Australia 181 All Out, Final Test on a Knife-Edge
AFP/APP
Sydney: Debutant Beau Webster’s resilient half-century was the highlight for Australia as they collapsed to 181 all out, trailing India by four runs at tea on day two of the decisive fifth Test.
Despite the absence of India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who left the field for possible hospital scans, India’s bowling attack stepped up to keep the match evenly poised.
Prasidh Krishna (3-42), Mohammed Siraj (3-51), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2-32) delivered fiery spells to dismantle Australia’s batting lineup.
First Session Struggles
Australia began the day at 9-1, following a dramatic last-ball wicket by Bumrah on Friday. Sam Konstas (23), Marnus Labuschagne (2), Travis Head (4), and Steve Smith (33) fell victim to relentless pressure from Siraj and Bumrah before lunch.
Smith, batting in front of his home crowd, appeared poised to become the 15th player and fourth Australian to reach 10,000 Test runs. However, his innings was cut short when Prasidh Krishna induced an edge that KL Rahul grabbed in the slips.
Webster, in for the dropped Mitchell Marsh, showed grit with a top score of 57. However, the rest of the lineup faltered, leaving the innings in disarray.
Prasidh struck early in the second session, removing Alex Carey, and Nitish Kumar Reddy’s double blow helped India seize momentum. Siraj wrapped up the innings by bowling Scott Boland.
Australia’s Fight for the Trophy
Australia, aiming to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15, needs a win or a draw. India, meanwhile, will retain the trophy with a victory.
Bumrah, captaining in place of the axed Rohit Sharma, had set the tone on Friday by dismissing Usman Khawaja in the slips after a heated exchange with Konstas.
Key Moments
Teenager Sam Konstas showcased fearless intent, including a reverse ramp shot against Bumrah, but fell to a Siraj outswinger. Head edged another Siraj delivery to Rahul, leaving Australia at 39-4.
Smith and Webster briefly stabilized the innings, but Prasidh’s precision and Reddy’s impactful spell swung the momentum in India’s favor.
The match remains delicately balanced, with the final outcome set to determine the holder of the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
