India Pacers Restrict Australia At 181* On Day 2

January 4, 2025: At Tea on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India took the upper hand after bundling out Australia for just 181, conceding a mere 4-run lead. The Baggy Greens resumed their innings at 101/5, with debutant Beau Webster (28*) and Alex Carey (4*) at the crease, but the Indian bowlers, especially Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, continued to apply relentless pressure.

Alex Carey (21) was dismissed early in the session in the 38th over by Prasidh Krishna, which set the tone for a flurry of wickets.

Pat Cummins joined Webster, and the pair added just 25 runs before Nitish Kumar Reddy struck again in the 45th over, removing Mitchell Starc for just 1 run.

The dismissal of Beau Webster (57 off 105 balls) in the 47th over left Australia at 166/9. Webster played a crucial role, scoring 57 runs with 5 boundaries, but couldn’t carry his side to safety.

Scott Boland was the final wicket to fall, cleaned up by Mohammed Siraj in the 51st over, leaving Australia all out for 181.

Mohammed Siraj (3/42) and Prasidh Krishna (3/42) were the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets each.

Nitish Kumar Reddy made a significant contribution with 2 wickets in quick succession, while Jasprit Bumrah also took a crucial wicket.

• India were in a dominant position, having conceded just a 4-run lead after dismissing Australia for 181.
• India’s bowling attack has been relentless, with Siraj, Krishna, and Reddy taking control of the proceedings.