Day 2 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 fifth Test between Australia and India continued at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney. After losing their opener, Usman Khawaja, on the last ball the day before, Australia started their batting on Day 2. In the day’s third over, Jasprit Bumrah delivered another early blow by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne. Mohammed Siraj took out Sam Konstas, who was next in line, for 23 runs off of 38 balls.
Siraj didn’t stop there, as he dismissed Australia to 39/4 in the same over after picking the highly effective Travis Head. Smith was joined in the middle by Beau Webster, who played his first Test match for Australia. Before Smith was hit by Prasidh Krishna, who scored 33 of 57, the pair formed an important 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
At the other end, Webster was determined, and Alex Carey was with him. Together, the two scored 41 runs, frustrating the Indian bowlers. After digging his base, Carey began to take matters into his own hands and deal with boundaries. The batter left after scoring 21 of 36 when Krishna used his approach to clean him up.
The Indians rejected Webster’s attempts to form alliances with Mitchell Starch and Australia captain Cummins.
He was dismissed by Krishna for 57 of 105, and Australia finished their innings with 181 runs while India had a four-run lead.
The visitors had a strong start in the second innings, but after KL Rahul (13 off 20) was removed, things took a turn for the worst. Virat Kohli (6 off 12) and Jaiswal (22 off 25) did the same, thanks to some deadly bowling from Scott Boland. Rishabh Pant scored a quick-fire innings of 61 off just 33 deliveries, but a recovering Shubman Gill (13 off 15) continued to struggle. With Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar hitting eight and six runs, respectively, India finished Day 2 at 141/6 after Nitish Kumar Reddy was removed for just four runs.
Here’s how ‘X’ users reacted to Day 2 of SCG Test:
Rohit Sharma exemplifies leadership through honesty and selflessness. Despite personal challenges, he prioritizes team success, stepping aside when necessary. His leadership in the current Test series reflects his unwavering dedication to India’s success. A true legend of the… pic.twitter.com/L3rPlMlRT6
— Suresh Raina
(@ImRaina) January 4, 2025
Round the stumps to Carey #INDvsAUS
— Ashwin
What a joy interviewing @ImRo45 during the lunchtime. Great character. pic.twitter.com/5M94VDMIYL
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 4, 2025
For the wolf is the strength of the pack, and the pack is the strength of the wolf. Good bowling and catching by India post lunch. Test set up nicely! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/V9x49P0uMC
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 4, 2025
Do bachhoooo ka baap hoo
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 4, 2025
Scott Boland se zyada darr lagta hai…
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 4, 2025
Let’s respect Rohit Sharma’s judgment and leave the speculation aside, he has always put the team and the country above himself.
Whether he plays on or decides to step away is his decision alone—he knows best about his game and performance. @ImRo45 #RohitSharma #AUSvIND— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) January 4, 2025
Don’t go aggressive from both ends.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 4, 2025
Jadeja’s control at one end Rishabh’s aggression on the other.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 4, 2025
Pantastic
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 4, 2025
What a knock by pant! He’s just taken the pants of the Aussies! #INDvsAUS
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) January 4, 2025
Rishabh Pant
#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/SATMHUBSs4
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) January 4, 2025
On a wicket where majority of the batters have batted at a SR of 50 or less, @RishabhPant17‘s knock with a SR of 184 is truly remarkable. He has rattled Australia from ball one. It is always entertaining to watch him bat. What an impactful innings!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/rU3L7OL1UX
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 4, 2025
India
