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Scott Boland stars as India dismissed for 185 in Sydney Test

Scott Boland takes 4 wickets in the Fifth test

Australia took a commanding position on day one of the fifth Test against India in the Border-Gavaskar series at the Sydney Cricket Ground, dismissing the visitors for 185 and finishing the day at 1-9.

Scott Boland starred with the ball, claiming 4-31 in a clinical display that dismantled India’s top and middle order.

Pre-match cricket betting odds reflected a closely contested match, with Australia at -125 favourites and India at +225.

By stumps, those odds had shifted significantly, with Australia firming to -263.16 and India moving to +240 with the top online bookmakers.

India’s decision to bat first on a green pitch under overcast conditions backfired, as Australia’s bowlers capitalised on the movement and uneven bounce.

Boland struck early, removing Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul within the first ten overs.

Virat Kohli survived a controversial third umpire review on his first ball, but Boland ultimately had him caught in the slips for 12.

Kohli’s dismissal marked the fourth time Boland has claimed his wicket in Tests, further underlining the Victorian’s prowess.

The Indian innings never gathered momentum, with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja offering brief resistance before the tail crumbled.

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc each took two wickets, while Nathan Lyon chipped in with one. India’s final six wickets fell for just 65 runs, leaving the visitors with a sub-par total and little room for error.

Australia’s reply began with fireworks as debutant Sam Konstas smashed Jasprit Bumrah’s first delivery for four.

However, the final over of the day brought high drama.

After a fiery exchange between Konstas and Bumrah, Usman Khawaja edged the last ball of the day to slip, triggering animated celebrations from the Indian side.

The dismissal left Australia trailing by 176 runs but firmly in control, with the crowd treated to a tense and action-packed conclusion to the day.

A win for Australia would secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and guarantee their spot in the World Test Championship final.

India, needing a victory to level the series and retain the trophy, face a monumental challenge on day two.

With momentum on their side and Boland’s heroics setting the tone, Australia ended the day as strong favourites at Neds to claim the Sydney Test and the series.


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