Australia Dominate Early: India’s Struggles Persist in Final Test
Australia Dominate Early in the Final Test: India’s Struggles Persist
The final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy dawned overcast in Sydney, and Australia did seize the morning session. Jasprit Bumrah, skippering the team since Rohit Sharma was dropped, called correctly at the coin toss and opted to bat first. But India crawled to 57-3 by lunch to give Australia the ascendancy on the opening day.
This is a game of monumental consequence for both sides. A win or draw would not just ensure the prized Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15, but also guarantee them a spot in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s against South Africa. For India, this is a final opportunity for redemption in a series they are trailing 2-1.
Overcast Conditions Challenge India’s Batting
India, who chose to bat first on an overcast morning, was met with serious resistance by Australia’s bowling. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were opening the innings, with the former being pushed back to the top of the order. But it just did not work out. Rahul fell early, pushing a soft catch to cover off Mitchell Starc’s full delivery.
The other opener, Jaiswal, who looked in good nick throughout the series, got sent back cheaply. Scott Boland, introduced into the attack after Pat Cummins’ spell with the new ball, struck in his first over. A length delivery from him was edged by Jaiswal, smartly caught at slip by debutant Beau Webster, who came into the playing XI in place of Mitchell Marsh.
Kohli Survives a Huge Let-Off
Jaiswal’s dismissal got Virat Kohli to the crease. Kohli, though, survived a chance that could have altered the course of the match. He edged a Glenn Boland delivery to the slip cordon off his first ball, to which Steve Smith seemed to take a fabulous low catch, with Marnus Labuschagne completing the effort.
Replays showed that a part of the ball had kissed the grass, and third umpire Joel Wilson overturned the on-field umpire’s decision. A relieved Kohli survived the scare and stayed in the crease. Even this reprieve, however, could not get the Indian innings into a rhythm against the disciplined Australian attack.
Shubman Gill Falls on the Brink of Lunch
India appeared set to go into lunch without further mishap when Nathan Lyon struck on the last ball of the session. Shubman Gill was batting solidly at three when he edged a delivery into the slips to be caught by Steve Smith. Gill’s departure had India reeling at 57-3 with Kohli and the middle order facing the daunting task of rebuilding this innings.
Regular skipper Rohit Sharma was rested for this match following a lean run of form through the series, and that could be the end of his distinguished 67-match Test career as questions over his form and future continue to arise.
Australia’s Bowlers Shine
The Australian bowling unit bowled impressively in the morning session of the game. Mitchell Starc, about whom questions of fitness had been raised prior to the match, showed no signs of distress and kept the Indian batsmen tied down. Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon gave him very good support, and at no stage could India find a rhythm.
Full of confidence, the Aussies are now in the driver’s seat to seal the series. As an Indian fan, one would hope that the survival of Kohli and the leadership of Bumrah might just turn things around in the remaining sessions.
Conclusion
As the match wears on, Indian cricket fans will hope for a spirited fightback from the middle order. Meanwhile, Australia continues to entrench itself as the “godfather of cricket,” showcasing its depth and dominance in the Test arena. Continue following platforms like Winexch for real updates and access to live cricket action.
FAQ
- The significance of this Test match?
It is a very important Test as Australia has to win or draw this to take the Border-Gavaskar Trophy back home and reach the World Test Championship final against South Africa.
- Why was Rohit Sharma left out of the Indian playing XI?
Rohit Sharma was rested after he couldn’t get past 10 in any of his five innings in the series, a fact that called into question his future in Test cricket.
- How did Virat Kohli survive an early dismissal?
Kohli edged his first ball to the slips, but the third umpire gave him not out as the ball grazed the ground.
- Who were the standouts in Australia’s bowling attack?
Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon were the pivot of Australia’s early ascendancy as they took crucial wickets to pin India back.
- Which website has free live cricket?
One such website that allows access to live cricket for free is Winexch; with this website, one is able to view live cricket, match highlights, and analysis.
