Day two at the SCG turned into a bowler’s paradise, with 15 wickets falling in such fast-paced fashion that it gave the series-deciding fifth Test a lottery-like atmosphere. India put on an impressive display to bowl out Australia for 181 in their first innings, securing a narrow four-run lead. However, their aggressive approach in the second innings backfired as they stumbled to 141/6, managing to extend their lead to 145 runs. Both teams’ batters struggled to navigate a pitch that continued to misbehave.
What started as a promising day for the visitors ended in frustration as their batting line-up faltered yet again under testing conditions, undone by the precision and skill of Scott Boland.
Yashasvi Jaiswal gave India a brisk start in their second innings, taking on Mitchell Starc with a flurry of boundaries and signaling an intent to build on their slim lead. However, Boland, true to his reputation, struck early in his spell. With his repeatable action and ability to seam the ball both ways, he dismissed Jaiswal and KL Rahul, halting India’s momentum.
Virat Kohli, looking to dominate the bowling, once again fell victim to the corridor of uncertainty, edging one to the slips. Shubman Gill, after a cautious start, played a rash stroke to hand debutant Beau Webster his maiden Test wicket. From a comfortable 41/0, India spiralled to 78/4, their batters undone by Australia’s relentless attack, led by Boland.
Rishabh Pant counterattacked brilliantly, smashing the second-fastest Test fifty by an Indian. His explosive 33-ball 61 included a six off the first ball he faced, setting the tone for a fearless innings. However, a drinks break disrupted his rhythm, and he fell shortly after. Nitish Kumar Reddy attempted to steady the innings with Ravindra Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 8, but Reddy’s uppish drive gave Boland his fourth wicket.
Despite the lower-order resistance at the end, India’s batters would be disappointed, especially given how well their bowlers had performed earlier in the day. Even without Jasprit Bumrah, who left the ground for scans midway through the second session, the bowlers excelled. Mohammed Siraj led the attack with three wickets, while Prasidh Krishna also claimed three, and Reddy chipped in with two. The slip cordon, featuring Kohli, Jaiswal, and Rahul, was equally outstanding, ensuring India capitalised on every opportunity.
For Australia, Webster stood tall with a fighting 57. Lacking significant support—Steve Smith’s 33 was the next-best effort—Australia’s fragile batting line-up was once again exposed. Even in Bumrah’s absence, they struggled against India’s young bowling unit, who bowled them out for 181.
If the pitch continues to behave as it has, India hold a slight edge. However, they’ll aim to add crucial runs early on Day 3 and will be hoping their captain is fit to play. His availability could significantly influence the course of the game.