Sydney, Jan 4 (NationPress) Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj showcased remarkable bowling skills, each taking three wickets, which helped India achieve a narrow four-run lead in the first innings after they bowled out Australia for 181 on the second day of the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.

India's performance was further bolstered as they claimed the last five wickets after the departure of captain Jasprit Bumrah, who had recorded figures of 2-33 in ten overs before heading to the hospital for scans due to an undisclosed injury. Krishna, making his series debut, played a crucial role by breaking two significant partnerships with his 3-42.

Meanwhile, Siraj wrapped up his innings with 3-51, and Nitish Kumar Reddy proved his worth with the ball by taking 2-32, ensuring all Indian pacers contributed to the team's slight lead. On Australia’s side, debutant Beau Webster emerged as the top scorer with a commendable 57.

With ample time remaining in the match, especially following an early tea break on day two, both teams are set for an exciting second innings showdown. The second session commenced with Webster and Alex Carey quickly hitting five boundaries to push Australia past the 100-run mark. However, Krishna disrupted their formidable partnership by delivering a fuller ball that caught Carey’s off-stump.

India faced some challenges as Bumrah left for scans, and Webster became the second Australian batter, after Sam Konstas, to notch a fifty in his debut Test innings this series. Nonetheless, Nitish regained control for India by bowling a good length delivery outside off-stump that induced an edge from Pat Cummins to first slip.

In his following over, Reddy struck again, having Mitchell Starc caught at second slip, putting Australia in a precarious position. The situation worsened for Australia when Webster, after scoring 57 off 105 balls, was caught at gully off a short delivery from Krishna. Siraj then sealed Australia’s innings at 181, with five batters failing to reach double digits and only two scoring above 23.

Earlier in the day, Bumrah made an early breakthrough by drawing a faint edge off Marnus Labuschagne, who was caught by Rishabh Pant. The review confirmed his dismissal, marking Bumrah’s 32nd wicket of the series, surpassing Bishen Singh Bedi's previous record of 31 wickets, making him India's highest wicket-taker in a Test series in Australia. Konstas attempted to counter Bumrah's attack by hitting two boundaries, including a reverse sweep.

However, Konstas was dismissed for 23, caught off Siraj’s bowling. Siraj continued to apply pressure, getting Travis Head caught at second slip. Steve Smith and Webster briefly revived Australia’s innings with a partnership of 57 runs for the fifth wicket.

Smith demonstrated his skill by hitting a six and four against Prasidh, alongside square-driving and straight-driving for additional boundaries, while Webster contributed with glances and pulls.

Despite Smith falling short of reaching 10,000 Test runs by nicking a delivery from Prasidh to second slip for 33 off 57 balls just before lunch, Webster and Carey managed to ensure that Australia didn’t lose any further wickets during a session dominated by India. Post-lunch, despite Bumrah's absence, Prasidh, Siraj, and Reddy's brilliant bowling and sharp slip catches secured India’s lead.

Summary of scores: India 185 (Rishabh Pant 40; Scott Boland 4-31) leads Australia 181/10 in 50 overs (Beau Webster 57, Steve Smith 33; Prasidh Krishna 3-42, Mohammed Siraj 3-51) by 4 runs.