India vs Australia 5th Test, Day 1: Rishabh Pant Leads India Fightback After Top-Order Collapse

In a gripping contest on Day 1 of the 5th Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), India ended the second session at 107/4, with Rishabh Pant leading the resistance after a top-order collapse. With India losing key wickets early in the day, Pant’s gritty innings, despite several blows to his body, provided a glimmer of hope for the visitors.

India’s Early Struggles

The day started with stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah opting to bat first after winning the toss, as full-time captain Rohit Sharma sat out. However, things did not go as planned for the Indian team. Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal fell cheaply to Australia’s pace attack led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Rahul was the first to depart, trapped by Starc’s swinging delivery, while Jaiswal edged a Scott Boland delivery to the slip cordon.

At 16/2, India found themselves in a precarious position, with Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill tasked with steadying the ship. The duo showed some promise, stitching together a brief partnership before Nathan Lyon struck just before lunch, dismissing Gill for 28. Lyon’s clever use of flight and turn proved too much for the young opener, who edged one to the slips.

Virat Kohli’s Short-Lived Resistance

Post-lunch, India’s hopes rested heavily on Kohli, who looked solid initially, displaying his trademark defensive technique. However, his old nemesis, the fifth-stump line, came into play yet again. Scott Boland bowled a teasing delivery outside off, and Kohli, unable to resist, nicked it to the slip cordon, where Steve Smith made no mistake. Kohli’s dismissal for 24 was a significant blow to India, leaving them tottering at 71/4.

Rishabh Pant’s Grit and Determination

With the team in dire straits, Rishabh Pant walked in under immense pressure. Known for his aggressive style of play, Pant curbed his instincts and focused on survival. Despite facing hostile bowling and multiple blows to his body, including a nasty one on the helmet off a Starc bouncer, Pant stood firm. His innings was punctuated by a few trademark aggressive shots, including a straight six off Pat Cummins that brought India’s score to 95/4.

Pant’s determination was evident when he launched a counter-attack, hitting a few boundaries and taking India past the 100-run mark. Partnering with Ravindra Jadeja, Pant ensured that India did not lose another wicket before tea, going into the break at 107/4.

Australian Bowling Dominance

The Australian bowlers were relentless throughout the day. Scott Boland emerged as the standout performer, picking up two crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Virat Kohli. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc kept the Indian batsmen on their toes with their accurate line and length, while Nathan Lyon continued to pose a threat with his off-spin.

Beau Webster, making his debut for Australia, bowled a disciplined spell, conceding just eight runs in his first 10 overs. Though he went wicketless, his consistent line and length added pressure on the Indian batsmen.

Session-wise Analysis

Morning Session:

Australia dominated the morning session, reducing India to 57/3. The early dismissals of Rahul, Jaiswal, and Gill tilted the balance in Australia’s favor. Boland and Starc exploited the grassy pitch, extracting both pace and movement.

Afternoon Session:

The afternoon session saw a more balanced contest, with Pant and Jadeja focusing on consolidation. Despite Kohli’s dismissal, India managed to score 50 runs for the loss of just one wicket in this session. Pant’s resilience and a steady partnership with Jadeja helped India regain some stability.

Pant’s Battle with the Aussie Pacers

Rishabh Pant’s innings was a mix of caution and aggression. He survived a close LBW call against Pat Cummins and a dropped catch by Marnus Labuschagne at third slip. Despite being hit multiple times, Pant displayed immense courage, refusing to back down.

In one dramatic moment, Pant launched a lofted shot over the bowler’s head for a six, prompting a humorous reaction from Sunil Gavaskar in the commentary box. Gavaskar remarked, “Not sure if that’s bravery or recklessness, but it worked!”

What Lies Ahead

With India at 107/4 and Pant unbeaten in the 40s, much will depend on how the wicketkeeper-batsman approaches the next session. Jadeja, known for his all-round capabilities, will also play a crucial role in ensuring India posts a respectable first-innings total.

Australia, on the other hand, will be keen to wrap up India’s innings quickly on Day 2. With the pitch offering assistance to both pacers and spinners, the match remains finely balanced.

Expert Opinions

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar praised Rohit Sharma’s decision to step down for the final Test, calling it a selfless move. Ravi Shastri, however, hinted that this could be Rohit’s last Test match, suggesting it might be time for India to rebuild with younger players.

Conclusion

Day 1 of the 5th Test between India and Australia was a roller-coaster ride. While Australia dominated the morning session, India fought back admirably in the afternoon, thanks to Rishabh Pant’s valiant effort. The match is poised for an exciting Day 2, with both teams having much to play for.

Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds at the SCG.