India vs Australia: Rishabh Pant’s Blistering 61 Puts India Ahead
As part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series, the second day of the fifth Test between India and Australia at Sydney concluded with India gaining a significant advantage. By the end of the day’s play, India scored 141 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their second innings. With a first-innings lead of 4 runs, India currently holds a 145-run overall lead.
Among Indian batsmen, Rishabh Pant stood out with an aggressive knock, scoring 61 runs off 33 balls, including 4 sixes and 6 fours. Despite early setbacks and losing 4 key wickets for just 78 runs, Pant, along with Ravindra Jadeja, tried to stabilize the innings by adding a crucial 46-run partnership.
India had a decent opening stand of 42 runs, but quick dismissals in succession hurt their progress. Apart from Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 22, KL Rahul made 13, Shubman Gill contributed 13, Virat Kohli was dismissed for 6, and Nitish Kumar Reddy added 4 runs. At stumps, Ravindra Jadeja (8) and Washington Sundar (6) remained unbeaten at the crease.
On the Australian side, Scott Boland was the most successful bowler, taking 4 wickets, while Pat Cummins and Webster took one wicket each.
Earlier in the day, Australia’s innings came to an end at 181 runs. Resuming from their overnight score of 9/1, Australia added 172 more runs before being bowled out. Debutant Webster was the top scorer for Australia with a half-century (57). Steve Smith contributed 33, Sam Constas made 23, and Alex Carey chipped in with 21 runs.
For India, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna each claimed 3 wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Nitish Kumar Reddy took 2 wickets apiece.
India’s overall lead of 145 runs puts them in a strong position heading into the third day of play.
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