The action transpired rapidly on Day 2 of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test between India and Australia as 15 wickets fell at the Sydney Cricket Ground on a pacer-friendly track. The match was evenly poised at the stumps, with India securing a lead of 145 runs and four wickets left in the bank in their second innings.
Australia began the day at 9/1 with Sam Konstas and Marnus Labuschagne at the crease in the morning. Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Labuschagne early for just 2 (8), setting the tone for the visitors. However, he left the field after a while owing to back issues, which left India without the services of their premier pacer.
Mohammed Siraj (3/51), Prasidh Krishna (3/42), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2/32) stepped up in Bumrah's absence to bundle out Australia for 181 in 51 overs and helped their side secure a paltry lead of four runs. Debutant Beau Webster starred for the hosts in the batting department with a half-century.
India got off to a brisk start in the second innings, with Yashasvi Jaiswal smashing four boundaries in the first over against Mitchell Starc. Scott Boland then brought Australia back into the contest with quick strikes to reduce the visiting team to 78/4. Rishabh Pant played a blistering knock of 61 (33) at this juncture and took his team into three digits before perishing in the 23rd over. Ravindra Jadeja (8*) and Washington Sundar (6*) remained unbeaten as India reached 141/6 at stumps.
Fans enjoyed the intense cricketing action on Friday, Day 1, of the fifth BGT Test. They expressed their reactions by sharing memes on social media platforms. One of the posts read:
"Only 'Mr Fix it' can Fix it"
Here are some of the best memes:
"It has been a hell of a Test" - Australia all-rounder Beau Webster after stumps on Day 2 of 5th Test vs India at the SCG
Speaking to the host broadcaster after stumps, Australian all-rounder Beau Webster reflected on the action that unfolded during the second day and his batting performance, saying:
"It has been a hell of a Test. It has played out in fast forward with all the wickets falling. I was happy to get runs. The good thing about the team is that you have backing for your natural game. It is a tussle."
He added:
"Plenty on offer for the quicks. That Pant innings took it away from us a bit. But we know that we are a wicket away from getting into the bowlers. (About the chase) Hopefully I will not be needed at number six, but if required I would be happy to do a job for my team."
Which team has the upper hand going into Day 3 of this Test? Let us know your opinions in the comments section.
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