Pant’s Heroics Keep India Fighting as SCG Test Intensifies

Australia leads the fifth Test against India at the SCG, but Rishabh Pant’s spirited counterattack and a pitch that plays like a bowler’s paradise have set up a dramatic conclusion.

India closed day two at 6-141, leading by 145 runs, with the lively cricket surface amplifying the value of every run.

The day began with Australia resuming their first innings at 1-9, trailing by 176. While debutant Beau Webster showed grit and composure to notch a fifty, he found little support as India’s seamers dismantled the Australian lineup.

Jasprit Bumrah struck early to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne for two, while Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Nitish Kumar Reddy shared the remaining wickets. Webster’s 53 anchored a total of 181, but India claimed a slim four-run lead.

The SCG pitch, described as treacherous due to the hardening indentations from day one, made batting an arduous task.

India’s second innings mirrored the chaos, with Scott Boland once again tormenting the visitors.

Boland struck in consecutive overs to remove Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, before claiming Virat Kohli for the fifth time in his career.

Kohli’s departure, after a familiar edge behind, ended his Test career in Australia on a bittersweet note, drawing boos from sections of the crowd.

Rishabh Pant’s arrival injected life into India’s innings.

Facing a bowler-friendly surface, Pant unleashed a counter-punching 61 from just 33 balls, smashing three sixes and entertaining the crowd with his audacious stroke play.

His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja pushed India’s lead into dangerous territory before Pant fell to Pat Cummins, Australia’s skipper celebrating a vital breakthrough.

The loss of Bumrah to a back spasm further complicated India’s hopes of containing Australia’s second innings.

Bumrah managed only one over after lunch before leaving the field for scans, and his availability for the remainder of the match remains uncertain.

Despite this, India’s bowling unit continues to rise to the occasion, with Siraj, Krishna, and Reddy stepping up admirably.

The day’s events have seen Australia’s betting odds shorten further to $1.35 at leading bookmakers, with India holding at $3.00 at Bet365.

The pitch conditions, combined with India’s spirited fightback, suggest a thrilling contest ahead, but Australia’s control of the game remains undeniable.

As the Test enters its third day, every run will be crucial on a surface described as the “spiciest” at the SCG in decades.

With a lead of 145 and four wickets in hand, India will hope to set Australia a target beyond reach while the hosts will aim to wrap up the innings quickly and solidify their dominance.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy hangs in the balance, and the stage is set for an epic finish to this compelling series.

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