Australia dominated the drama on the very first day of the fifth Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), leaving India puzzled as to how to piece its disjointed self back together. What dominates the day’s headlines is the decided, but, for many, controversial and definitely debatable call by India to rest captain Rohit Sharma for this Test.
Rohit Sharma’s Absence Lands into Questions:- Australia
Now, almost everyone’s eyebrows raised on that earth-shaking announcement of Rohit Sharma skipping the crucial Test and turning captaincy to Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah stated that Rohit “opted to rest”; something that smacks of skepticism and ridicule. Former cricketers, commentators have questioned the openness of this decision, especially as Rohit is coming off a minor slump.
The Collapse of India’s Batting:- Australia
India won the toss and chose to bat against a redoubtable Australian attack on a pitch that offers considerable assistance to seamers. The star of the day, however, was Scott Boland, rolling up a terrific spell to finish with 4 for 31. His unerring accuracy and common exploitation of the conditions shredded India’s batting.
KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal walked back to the pavilion very early on. Chosen to fill in for the left hand injured Rohit, Shubman Gill promised a lot but failed on 20 after a poorly judged shot under the scrutiny of Nathan Lyon. Virat Kohli’s woe continued as he went out for 17 after edging one in the slips-such a repetitive pattern in this series.
Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja tried to consolidate along with a 48-run stand, but Boland picked up two in very quick time. The tail offered no resistance and India ended up with a paltry 185 in the scorebook.
Australia’s Solid Start and Late Action
Australia finished the synopsis at 9 for 1 with the late breakthrough of Jasprit Bumrah by the wickets of Usman Khawaja. The end was heightened by a fierce exchange between Bumrah and Australian opener Sam Konstas after that.
Looking Ahead
This is a crucial Test for both sides, with Australia leading the series 2-1. The Indian captain rested, and the subsequent collapse ensured that it was the past now. The onus now lies in the bowlers’ hands to make early inroads and keep the series alive. For Australia, another solid first-innings performance would set them on the path to the reclamation of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and a place in the World Test Championship final.
