India’s right-arm seamers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, took control in the first session of Day 2 at the Sydney Test. By lunch, Australia had collapsed to 101/5, trailing India by 84 runs.
Early Breakthroughs Put India in the Driver’s Seat
Australia resumed the day at 9/1, with Sam Konstas on seven. Marnus Labuschagne joined him, but Bumrah soon made an impact. In the fourth over, he dismissed Labuschagne for just two runs. With this wicket, Bumrah surpassed legendary Indian bowler Bishan Singh Bedi for the most wickets in an overseas Test series.
Siraj’s Quick Double Strike
The momentum shifted further when Mohammed Siraj struck in the 12th over. He first sent Konstas back for 23 on the second ball. Then, on the fifth ball, Siraj removed Travis Head, the series’ highest scorer, for just 4. Australia was suddenly reeling at 32/4.
Webster and Smith Steady the Ship
Despite the collapse, debutant Beau Webster and Steven Smith fought to stabilize the innings. They guided Australia past 50 runs in the 15th over and eventually brought up a 50-run partnership by the 26th over. However, just after that, Smith was dismissed by Prasidh Krishna for 33 in the 28th over, leaving Australia at 101/5.
Australia’s Struggles at Lunch
At the break, Webster stood unbeaten on 28*, while wicketkeeper Alex Carey had 4*. Bumrah and Siraj had taken two wickets each, with Krishna picking up one.
Brief Scores
- India: 185 (Rishabh Pant 40, Ravindra Jadeja 26, Scott Boland 4/31)
- Australia: 101/5 (Steven Smith 33, Beau Webster 28*, Jasprit Bumrah 2/27)
