India’s batting lineup faced early challenges on Day 1 of the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Captain Jasprit Bumrah, stepping in for Rohit Sharma, chose to bat first. However, the decision seemed to backfire early as Australia’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, capitalized on the conditions to unsettle the
Virat Kohli and Gill attempt stabilization
Indian openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. Both fell cheaply, leaving India at a precarious 17/2 within the first hour of play. With the early dismissals, India leaned on Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill to steady the innings. Kohli survived a controversial catch attempt by Steve Smith off Boland’s bowling on the very first ball he faced. The third umpire ruled it not out, giving Kohli a crucial lifeline. The duo stitched a cautious 40-run partnership, countering Australia’s disciplined attack. However, the partnership’s momentum was disrupted in the final over before lunch.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Complete list of anchors and presenters for Sydney’s Pink Test – Grace Hayden to Mayanti Langer
Heated exchange with Steve Smith and fall of Gill
The 25th over, bowled by Nathan Lyon, saw tempers flare. Gill defended Lyon’s fifth delivery and took his time to prepare for the next ball, tapping the pitch and stretching the over towards the lunch break. A visibly irritated Smith, fielding at first slip, expressed his frustration, shouting:
“This is bullsh*t. Oi, let’s play,”
Gill, unflustered, responded with a sharp retort:
“You take your time, Smithy; nobody says anything to you,”
The verbal exchange briefly interrupted the game, with Marnus Labuschagne joining in with Smith, attempting to unsettle Gill. The tension on the field heightened as players exchanged heated words and laughs, underscoring the fierce rivalry between the two sides.
On the very next delivery, Lyon tossed up a slightly short ball outside off. Gill, possibly distracted by the exchange with Smith, attempted an ambitious shot, charging down the pitch. The ball gripped and turned, taking the outside edge of Gill’s bat, and flew straight to Smith at first slip.
Smith gleefully grabbed the catch and celebrated by pointing towards Gill, delivering an animated send-off. Gill’s dismissal for 20 off 64 balls left India reeling at 57/3 as the players headed for lunch. Smith’s fiery reaction and the perfectly orchestrated dismissal became a talking point of the session, symbolizing Australia’s aggressive approach.
Here’s the video:
This is the greatest cricketing video of all time pic.twitter.com/CpTaQpkBh4
— mitch marsh hatebot. (@Lexbeforewicket) January 3, 2025
— rohitkohlirocks@123@ (@21OneTwo34) January 3, 2025
India’s struggles post Gill’s dismissal against Australia
Following Gill’s dismissal for 20 off Nathan Lyon, India’s batting woes deepened on Day 1 of the fifth Test in Sydney. At 57/3 at lunch, India faced mounting pressure from Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Kohli and Rishabh Pant attempted to steady the innings but could not build substantial partnerships. Kohli departed for 17, caught by Beau Webster off Boland, leaving India at 72/4. Pant’s fighting 40 off 98 balls ended when Boland claimed his fourth wicket, triggering a mini-collapse. Nitish Kumar Reddy fell for a golden duck on the next ball, leaving India reeling at 120/6. Ravindra Jadeja’s gritty unbeaten 15 off 79 deliveries was the only resistance as India struggled to 121/6 in 58 overs in the third session so far.
Also WATCH: Steve Smith reacts after 3rd umpire overturns his catch of Virat Kohli on Day 1 of SCG Test – AUS vs IND
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.
