IND vs AUS fifth Test: Australia crosses hundred with five wickets loss before lunch break

Australia struggles as India's bowlers dominate on Day 2 of the 5th Test match at Sydney Cricket Ground.

When the game broke for lunch, Australia’s scoreboard read 101 for five wickets, trailing by 84 runs, on Day 2 of the 5th India vs Australia Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Prasidh Krishna dismissed an ominous Steve Smith, and the latter departed, leaving Australia with 95 runs for five wickets.

Travis Head walked back to the dressing room as Mohammed Siraj struck again to take a very crucial wicket of Australia. Sam Konstas edged Mohammed Siraj to loose a wicket for Australia in the game, to leave the team with 35 runs for three.

The star bowler of the series, Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah did that again. He took the early wicket of Marnus Labuschagne, making things tight for Australia.

Friday (January 3, 2024) dawned to the wet streaks of rain, just about enough to accentuate the green on leaves. When the dampness paused, it was time for cricket’s annual pilgrimage to the Sydney Cricket Ground.

India turned up with Jasprit Bumrah at the helm while Rohit Sharma, according to the former, opted to rest. A change in leadership, however, did not usher in a difference in the manner the visitors batted on a pitch that seemed more Perth and less Sydney.

There was movement and some bounce, and as the fifth Test’s opening day stretched, the template of wilting Indian batters against resurgent Australian pacers, was on view. At close, Australia scored nine for one in reply to India’s first innings score of 185. A fired up Bumrah, after a chat with Sam Konstas, dismissed Usman Khawaja.