In the absence of skipper Jasprit Bumrah, who left the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for a medical scan due to a back issue, India’s pace attack rose to the occasion on day 2 of the fifth Test against Australia. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered a superb performance, helping India bowl Australia out for 181 and gain a crucial four-run lead heading into the second innings of the final Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
After Bumrah’s departure, India’s pace trio took charge, dominating the post-lunch session. Siraj (3/51), Krishna (4/42), and Reddy (2/32) each played vital roles in breaking through Australia’s middle and lower order. Australia’s debutant Beau Webster (57) impressed with a gritty half-century, but once he was dismissed, India swiftly dismantled the tail. Prasidh Krishna struck first after the break, removing Alex Carey (21) and ending a 41-run stand with Webster. Nitish Kumar Reddy then took two key wickets, dismissing Pat Cummins (10) and Mitchell Starc (1), thanks to sharp catches from KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal at slip and gully. Prasidh, the lanky pacer from Karnataka, then claimed the important wicket of Webster. Siraj wrapped up the innings by dismissing Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland, ensuring Australia’s total remained under 200.
Earlier, after resuming at 9/1, Australia’s top-order struggled under pressure. Siraj struck early, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne (2) and then quickly removing Sam Konstas (23) and Travis Head (4) in the space of four balls, leaving the hosts reeling at 39/4. Australia’s experienced duo, Steve Smith (33) and Beau Webster (28), fought back with a 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket, but Prasidh Krishna put an end to the revival by dismissing Smith just before lunch. At the break, Australia was in a precarious position at 101/5, having lost key wickets to India’s relentless pace attack.
India’s dominant post-lunch performance ensured that they gained a slender but crucial lead, keeping Australia’s scoring under control and setting the stage for a strong second innings effort. With Siraj, Prasidh, and Reddy stepping up in Bumrah’s absence, India’s bowling unit proved once again that they can rise to the challenge in any circumstances.
