India vs Australia Highlights, 5th Test, Day 1: Usman Khawaja Out On Last Ball Of Day 1 As Jasprit Bumrah Clashes With Sam Konstas

The stage was set at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 3, 2025, for what promised to be a thrilling encounter between two of the world’s top cricketing nations—India and Australia. As the fifth and final Test of the series kicked off, the intensity of the battle quickly reached fever pitch. India’s batting, once again under pressure, was quickly bundled out for just 185 runs. Australia, despite losing Usman Khawaja off the final delivery of the day, ended Day 1 with just 9 for 1 on the scoreboard.

Early Struggles for India

The morning began with India winning the toss and opting to bat, hoping to take control of the game early. However, things didn’t go according to plan as Australia’s bowlers were relentless from the outset. India was reduced to a shaky 57 for 3, with key batsmen falling cheaply. By tea, the scoreboard showed 107 for 4, and hopes of a sizeable total were already fading.

India’s batting problems were compounded by the relentless pressure applied by Australia’s bowlers, especially Scott Boland, who had a sensational day with the ball. Boland’s 4-wicket haul for 31 runs was the highlight of Australia’s bowling effort, as he consistently kept the Indian batsmen on edge. Rishabh Pant’s resilience was the silver lining for India, as he top-scored with 40 runs off 98 balls, providing some much-needed stability in the middle order.

India’s Collapse in the Final Session

After a brief recovery in the afternoon session, India fell apart dramatically in the final hour of play. The lower order failed to provide much resistance, and the last six wickets fell for just 78 runs. Jasprit Bumrah, who joined the tail, tried to inject some life into the innings with an aggressive knock. Bumrah’s 22 off 17 balls, including three back-to-back boundaries off Boland, briefly raised Indian hopes of reaching a more competitive total. However, his dismissal marked the end of India’s innings at 185 all out.

Australia’s pacers were once again on top, with Mitchell Starc claiming 3 wickets, Pat Cummins taking 2, and Nathan Lyon adding his name to the wicket-takers list. Boland’s exceptional control and accuracy made him the standout bowler, and India was left to rue their inability to capitalize on a few promising partnerships.

Australia’s Response: A Tense Finale

Australia’s reply was set to begin under difficult conditions, and the drama was far from over. With just minutes left before the close of play, Bumrah got the breakthrough India so desperately needed. Usman Khawaja, who had looked solid at the crease, was dismissed off the very last ball of the day. Khawaja’s edge was brilliantly caught by KL Rahul at second slip, leaving Australia at a precarious 9 for 1.

The dismissal came at the end of an intriguing few minutes, where tensions ran high between Bumrah and Australia’s debutant Sam Konstas. The two exchanged words after Khawaja’s wicket, with Bumrah seemingly frustrated by Konstas’s behavior earlier in the over. The animated reaction from both players added to the drama of the moment. As the day concluded, Australia’s fragile start in their chase was overshadowed by the tension on the field.

Key Moments from Day 1

• Rishabh Pant’s Grit: Pant took multiple blows throughout his innings, but his ability to fight through the pain was a testament to his resilience. Despite being hit several times, he top-scored for India, displaying his trademark determination in a difficult situation.
• The Dismissal of Washington Sundar: Sundar’s dismissal was one of the more controversial moments of the day. He was given out on a tight DRS call, where the ball had seemingly brushed his glove. Despite his protests, the replay showed that the decision was correct.
• Jasprit Bumrah’s Aggressive Cameo: Bumrah’s explosive knock, featuring three quick boundaries, helped India add some late runs, but it wasn’t enough to propel India to a more competitive total.
• The Physical Toll on India: Several Indian players, including Pant and Siraj, were physically battered throughout the day, with multiple hits to the body, including Siraj being struck on the helmet. This only added to the pressure on the Indian side as they fought to post a defendable total.

Tension Builds as Australia Struggles

By the end of Day 1, India had eked out a 176-run lead, but Australia was not out of the fight yet. With 9 for 1 on the board, and a long way to go, it’s clear that the second day will be a battle for both sides. The early wicket of Khawaja has given India a slender edge, but Australia will look to rebuild their innings with a solid partnership on Day 2.

What adds to the intrigue of this series finale is the possibility of it being the last Test for India’s captain, Rohit Sharma. Former cricketer Ravi Shastri has even suggested that this could be the end of the road for Rohit’s Test career, given his decision to rest himself for this match. His absence left Bumrah to lead the team, and while it was a difficult day for India, they have a strong leader in Bumrah who will be looking to inspire his team on Day 2.

As the night descended on the SCG, the match was far from decided. With tensions high both on and off the field, fans are eagerly awaiting the next twist in this gripping encounter. The action is bound to continue with the same intensity on Day 2, and both teams know that every ball counts.