5th Test: Australia at 71/3, Needs 91 Runs for Victory

Sydney, Jan 5 (NationPress) Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna secured three wickets, maintaining India's hopes of defending a target of 162 runs, as Australia concluded the first session of day three at 71/3 in 13 overs during the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Following Australia’s swift end to India’s second innings at 157 in 39.5 overs—with Scott Boland claiming 6-45—Prasidh’s figures of 3-27 were instrumental in leading the visitors during Jasprit Bumrah's absence.

The captivating play of the first session, which saw a total of seven wickets fall, leaves Australia needing 91 more runs to clinch both the match and the series, with Usman Khawaja and Travis Head not out on 19 and 5 respectively. Conversely, India is in pursuit of seven wickets to secure victory and retain the trophy.

India's attempt to defend 162 started poorly, as both Prasidh and Mohammed Siraj struggled with their lines and lengths, allowing 35 runs in the first three overs, which included eight wides and four leg-byes, alongside Sam Konstas hitting three quick boundaries.

However, Prasidh corrected his lengths and dismissed Konstas, who attempted a big shot but was caught at mid-off for 22. Shortly after Australia reached their fifty, Prasidh struck again, getting Marnus Labuschagne to edge one to gully for just 6.

Steve Smith approached 9,999 Test runs, just one run shy of the 10,000-run milestone. Nevertheless, Prasidh disrupted his bid, bowling a length ball that bounced sharply, resulting in an edge caught by a diving fielder at gully.

With Head and Khawaja at the crease, Australia aims to conclude the match on day three, as a thrilling finish seems imminent.

Previously, starting from 141/6, India could only add 16 runs to their overnight score before their second innings concluded within the first 45 minutes of day three.

The pitch provided ample assistance for seamers, allowing Boland and Pat Cummins to take two wickets each in a precise bowling display that swiftly ended India’s innings, setting the stage for an exhilarating series conclusion.

Boland's 6-45 from 16.5 overs marked his first five-wicket haul in Tests since his memorable 6/7 on debut against England during the 2021 Ashes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Sydney crowd showed full support, cheering him on energetically.

Ravindra Jadeja seemed to regain his attacking style, slicing a short and wide delivery from Cummins for four, pushing India’s lead past 150. However, just two balls later, Cummins delivered a fuller ball, angling in then seaming away, causing Jadeja to edge to Alex Carey for 13 off 45 balls.

In his following over, Cummins bowled one that angled in from wide of the crease, leading to Washington Sundar's dismissal for 12 off 43 balls. Boland achieved his six-wicket haul by getting Siraj to edge to first slip and then uprooting Bumrah's leg-stump.

With Bumrah sidelined due to back spasms, Australia remains in contention for chasing 162. If they succeed, it will mark their first Border-Gavaskar Trophy series win in a decade—a title that has eluded Cummins & Co. from their impressive trophy collection.

Brief Scores: India 185 and 157 in 39.5 overs (Rishabh Pant 61; Scott Boland 6-45) lead Australia 181 and 71/3 in 13 overs (Sam Konstas 22; Prasidh Krishna 3-27) by 91 runs