SYDNEY, Jan 3, (V7N) - India’s top-order batting woes continued as the visitors struggled to 57 for three by lunch on the opening day of the fifth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The series finale carries high stakes, with India needing a win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Rohit Sharma’s Absence and India’s Fragile Start

Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah won the toss and chose to bat under cloudy skies on a green-tinged pitch. Rohit Sharma, India’s regular captain, opted to sit out due to poor form, a move Bumrah described as a selfless act.

However, the decision to bat first quickly backfired as India’s openers faltered. KL Rahul, promoted to open, fell for 4, chipping a slower Mitchell Starc delivery straight to teenager Sam Konstas at square leg.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, India's promising young opener, followed soon after for 10, edging a Scott Boland delivery to the slips.

Kohli’s Dramatic Escape

The drama intensified when Virat Kohli, walking in after Jaiswal’s dismissal, faced a fiery first delivery from Boland. Kohli appeared to edge the ball to Steve Smith at slip, who flicked it up for Marnus Labuschagne to complete the catch. However, the third umpire ruled that the ball had touched the grass, giving Kohli a lifeline and silencing the roaring Australian crowd.

Kohli survived the scare and went to lunch unbeaten on 12, with vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane yet to score.

Session Highlights

India’s Score at Lunch: 57/3

Wickets:

KL Rahul (4, caught by Konstas, bowled by Starc)

Yashasvi Jaiswal (10, caught in slips off Boland)

Shubman Gill (20, caught in slips off Nathan Lyon)

Key Not Out: Virat Kohli (12*), Ajinkya Rahane (0*)

Australia’s Dominance

Australia’s bowlers, led by Starc, Boland, and Lyon, made excellent use of the conditions, keeping the pressure on India’s brittle top order. Boland’s ability to extract movement and Lyon’s accuracy posed significant challenges for the Indian batters.

Series Context and High Stakes

Australia leads the series 2-1, having rebounded from a heavy defeat in Perth to win in Adelaide and Melbourne. A win or draw in Sydney will secure them the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15.

India, meanwhile, must stage a comeback to level the series and retain the prestigious trophy. Bumrah's leadership and the performances of Kohli and Rahane will be crucial in turning the tide after a challenging start.

END/WSD/RH/