Sydney: Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma has opted out of the Sydney Test, handing over the reins to Jasprit Bumrah. India has made another change, with Prasidh Krishna replacing the injured Akash Deep. On the other hand, Australia had already announced the debut of Beau Webster a day earlier, coming in for Mitchell Marsh.
Despite the grassy surface at Sydney promising assistance for bowlers on Day 1, Bumrah made a bold decision at the toss, opting to bat first.
In Rohit’s absence, KL Rahul returned to his opening slot alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. The innings began with promise as Jaiswal struck a boundary off Mitchell Starc in the very first over. However, the momentum was short-lived, with Rahul falling in the fourth over to a soft dismissal off Starc at square leg. Not long after, Jaiswal also departed, succumbing to Scott Boland, the Australian specialist known for striking in the first over of his spells. With the openers back in the pavilion, Shubman Gill walked in at number three.
Virat Kohli’s arrival at the crease had a mix of cheers and boos. Virat had a moment of fortune as Steve Smith dropped a tough chance in the slips on the very first ball he faced. The catch was referred to the umpire for confirmation, and the replays provided a sigh of relief for Virat and Indian fans.
Gill and Virat then dug in, showing great patience as they refrained from risky shots in the wake of the early dismissals. Australia lost a review when Boland’s LBW appeal against Gill was turned down just before the drinks break. Gill capitalized on opportunities to strike a couple of boundaries, while Virat rotated the strike efficiently, cashing in on every available single.
The partnership held firm for more than 100 deliveries, playing through tight lines from Pat Cummins, Boland, and the debutant Webster. However, just before lunch, Cummins’ strategy to bring Nathan Lyon into the attack paid dividends. Gill, after a solid defensive display, played an unnecessary shot, gifting a simple catch to Smith at slip. The steady 40-run partnership came to an abrupt end on the final ball before the lunch break.
Heading into the second session, India’s hopes now rest heavily on the patience and resilience of Virat Kohli, as he looks to build another crucial partnership with Rishabh Pant.
