India Face Tumultuous Day Two in Sydney as Bumrah Injury Rocks Test
Table of Contents
- 1. India Face Tumultuous Day Two in Sydney as Bumrah Injury Rocks Test
- 2. Webster Delivers for Australia After Marsh Omission
- 3. pant’s Cameo Keeps India in the Hunt
- 4. Uncertainty Reigns as Test Heads into Day Three
- 5. Webster’s Gritty Debut: A Beacon of Hope for Australia
- 6. A Steady Hand on a Turbulent Day
- 7. More Than Just a Batsman
- 8. A Late bloomer, Following in Great Footsteps
- 9. Beau Webster’s Dream Debut: A Testament to Domestic Prowess
- 10. From sheffield Shield Stalwart to Test Debutant
- 11. Webster Shines on Test Debut
- 12. Sydney Pitch Praised and Criticized for its volatility
- 13. A Batsman’s Nightmare
- 14. Praise and Criticism for Groundstaff
- 15. Delayed gratification: Smith’s Quest for 10,000 Runs Hits a Snag
- 16. A Telling Dismissal
- 17. A Chance for Redemption
- 18. The 10,000 Run Club Beckons
- 19. The Commentator’s Curse? Steve Smith’s Near Miss and Cricket Superstitions
- 20. A Close Call
- 21. Smith’s Rituals and Superstitions
- 22. How has the SCG pitch differed from its traditional batting-friendly nature in the recent Australia vs. India Test match?
- 23. A Batsman’s Nightmare
- 24. Praise and Criticism for Groundstaff
- 25. Delayed Gratification: Smith’s Quest for 10,000 Runs Hits a Snag
- 26. A Telling Dismissal
- 27. A Chance for Redemption
The border-Gavaskar Trophy saw another 15 wickets tumble on a chaotic day two at the Sydney Cricket Ground, throwing India a notable challenge in the fifth Test.
India’s biggest curveball of the series arrived early on day two with an injury to Jasprit Bumrah. This unexpected blow threatened to derail their campaign as debutant Beau Webster shone for Australia.
Webster Delivers for Australia After Marsh Omission
Australia’s decision to drop Mitchell Marsh proved to be a savvy move as Webster stepped up magnificently, scoring a half-century on debut. His extraordinary innings, which included a crucial 47-run partnership with Steve Smith, helped Australia recover from a shaky start.
Webster follows in the footsteps of Tasmanian legend Ricky Ponting as only the second player from the state to achieve a half-century in their first Test match.
pant’s Cameo Keeps India in the Hunt
Rishabh Pant provided a timely boost for india with a whirlwind 61-run cameo in their second innings. His aggressive knock kept the visitors in the contest,ensuring the match remained delicately poised.
Uncertainty Reigns as Test Heads into Day Three
Former Australian spinner Kerry O’Keeffe summed up the tense atmosphere perfectly, stating, “You still don’t know who a clear favorite is. You’d think Australia, but there’s mystery over Jasprit bumrah, the lead is (currently) 145. If it stretches to 180 plus,they’re a punchers chance of bowling Australia out,who may get nervous. 47,000 people turned up wanting theater, they got theatre.”
Steve Smith’s quest for a historic 10,000 Test runs will have to wait another day, while Virat Kohli likely finishes his last Test series in Australia with a sense of disappointment.
Webster’s Gritty Debut: A Beacon of Hope for Australia
Faced with a antagonistic bowling attack on a seam-kind Sydney deck,Australia’s hopes in the crucial fifth Test against India were hanging by a thread. They found themselves reeling at 4/39, the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy teetering precariously. Enter beau webster, a debutant carrying a decade’s worth of experience honing his skills on the challenging wickets of Hobart.
A Steady Hand on a Turbulent Day
The tasmanian calmly navigated the treacherous conditions, his composed half-century proving to be a beacon of hope for the struggling Australian batting lineup. Webster’s innings, adorned with five elegant boundaries, not only denied India a substantial first-innings lead but also showcased his undeniable skill and expertise. Notably, his fifty overshadowed the combined runs scored by Marsh in the previous three Tests, a testament to Webster’s impressive composure.
While Rishabh Pant would later dazzle with a whirlwind innings, Webster’s gritty half-century served as a crucial platform for Australia’s fightback.This wasn’t a mere stroke of luck; it was the culmination of years spent grinding it out in the Sheffield shield, consistently improving his numbers and proving his worth.
More Than Just a Batsman
Webster’s contribution extended beyond his batting exploits. Earlier in the match, he demonstrated his all-round capabilities by producing 13 economical overs with the ball, sharing the workload with Australia’s frontline seamers. His sharp fielding in the slips cordon,where he snagged two crucial catches,further highlighted his value to the team.
A Late bloomer, Following in Great Footsteps
“He’s served his apprenticeship,” former Australian captain Allan Border remarked on Fox Cricket. “He’s been in Shield cricket for a long time … he’s gradually gotten his numbers better each year, and now he’s in the Test team. You’ve got to earn your stripes.”
Webster’s late arrival on the Test scene echoes the journeys of modern greats like Michael Hussey and Scott Boland, who blossomed after receiving their baggy green in their thirties.His debut performance served as a powerful reminder that age is just a number, and experience, coupled with sheer determination, can pave the way for greatness.
Beau Webster’s Dream Debut: A Testament to Domestic Prowess
Beau Webster’s journey to the top level of Australian cricket is a story of persistence and unwavering dedication to the Sheffield Shield.
From sheffield Shield Stalwart to Test Debutant
His call-up for the New Year’s Test came on the back of a stellar run of form in the domestic competition. The 31-year-old Tasmanian allrounder has been a revelation, averaging an impressive 57.1 with the bat and taking 81 wickets at 31.7 as march 2022. This consistent success finally earned him a well-deserved prospect on the national stage against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“It just shows, guys who have served their apprenticeship, it’s amazing how frequently enough they do well at the top level as they’ve done the hard yards,” said legendary Australian batsman Allan Border. “They get picked for a reason, because they’re in good form.”
Webster Shines on Test Debut
Former India coach Ravi Shastri echoed Border’s sentiments, praising Webster’s composure and temperament during his debut innings.
“How well has he played for a debutant? Just the composure and the temperament (he has shown), he has looked very solid,” Shastri commented. “ (He was) under pressure on a spicy deck and he has shown that he has all the character in the world to play at this level. He has looked totally part of it. It is a different kettle of fish when you are out on the SCG playing for your country.”
Webster’s impressive performance justified the selectors’ faith in rewarding his domestic form, highlighting the strong connection between sheffield Shield cricket and international success.
“It’s a great story,” Australian coach Andrew McDonald said. ”the body of work he’s put in in Shield cricket to be rewarded with selection,and then to go out and perform the way that has. (We’re) just incredibly happy for him. You get your cap, go out there, perform, you know you’re at the level, and it just shows you that Shield performances are a great connection to international level, which is good for our system as a whole.”
Webster’s accomplished debut is a win for Australian domestic cricket,proving the Sheffield Shield is a breeding ground for future international stars.
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“Take a bow” – Boland bowls Indian duo | 01:06
KOHLI’S TEST CAREER IN AUSTRALIA ENDS WITH A WHIMPER
Virat Kohli is one of the greatest cricketers to tour these shores.
A decade ago, the Indian superstar notched four hundreds during the 2014/15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia, finishing the tour with 692 runs at 86.50. Four years later, he led India towards a historic 2-1 Test series triumph, cracking a century in a losing cause at Perth Stadium.
The right-hander even celebrated his maiden Test century down under,a breakout performance at adelaide Oval in 2012.
Only one touring cricketer has managed more centuries in Australia than Kohli — England great Jack Hobbs.
But despite all the splendid things he has achieved over the years, Kohli has ended his Test career in Australia with a whimper with the bat, managing just 190 runs at 23.75 after starting the series with an unbeaten century in Perth
All eight of his dismissals were caught in the slips cordon after fending at a delivery he should have left alone,with Scott Boland proving his nemeses.
As Indian broadcaster Harsha Bhogle noted, Kholi fell prey to “that great passage of treachery.”
“He draws you into his fold. He tempts you and he entices you and then he trips you,” he said.
Despite the entire population of India begging him to shelve the cover drive, which has time and time again proven his Achilles heel, he could not resist flashing outside off stump.
On day two of the New Year’s Test at the SCG, kohli was dismissed by Boland after edging towards second slip for 6, caught by Steve Smith. It was his fifth single-figure score of the tour.
He only reached 20 twice in the series, albeit converting one of those starts into a century in what has been a forgettable tour with the blade for the 36-year-old.
“It’s never easy to get Virat out,” McDonald told reporters at stumps.
“I’d give full credit to the bowlers and the execution of the plan. It’s one thing to have a plan, but then to be able to execute that the way that we have to Virat, to put him under immense pressure.
“Clearly that relentless nature of, in particular, Scotty Boland in that match-up has been incredibly difficult for him.
“but he’s never an easy wicket.”
Kohli deserved to end his Test career in Australia with a standing ovation, but rather he was showered with boos by the Sydney crowd as he walked out to bat on Saturday afternoon.
Having become public enemy No. 1 following his shoulder barge on teenager Sam Konstas, for which he copped a 20 per cent of his match fee, Kohli cemented his status as a villain in the eyes of Australia’s cricket fans.
INDIA’S FAST-BOWLING CARTEL STANDS TALL IN BUMRAH’S ABSENCE
Amid the mysterious and critical injury cloud hovering over stand-in Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah on Day 2, his fellow fast bowlers stood up when it mattered the absolute most.
Departing the SCG to receive scans on an undisclosed injury, Bumrah’s absence looked set to leave a significant hole on India’s attack for the remaining half of Australia’s first innings. There is a world where his back spasms could have left India’s hopes of a win in Sydney dead in the water.
“For me, the critically important period of play was when Bumrah went off. To see the Indian fast bowlers rise to the occasion,the support bowlers,I thought was very good,” former India head coach Ravi Shastri told fox Cricket at stumps on Day 2.
His country has relied so heavily on him not just with the ball, but more broadly this series – sparking concerns over how well the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kumar Reddy would stand up. But as history now tells us, the trio found a way to skittle Australia for 181.
For the first time all series, Bumrah’s fellow bowlers took eight of the 10 wickets in an Australian innings, with the 31-year-old taking at least three wickets in every single innings this series before today.
Speaking to foxsports.com.au, Australian fast bowling great Brett Lee was extra complimentary of Reddy, who’s impact with the ball has been limited up until this week’s series finale.
“I was so happy for India that they had Nitish Reddy, who picked up two wickets, literally as Bumrah’s getting whisked away in the car to go get a scan done,” Lee said.
“I think (India’s pace bowlers) can do it. It’s going to be tougher for them, because Bumrah has been the enforcer. But sometimes,when you take away the main enforcer and the rest of the pack step up,that’s obviously when they can play their best cricket.
“It can go two ways. They can either, get destroyed in the second innings, or they can do what they did in the first innings and step up to the plate, which I think they will on this wicket.”
Lee, who took 310 Test wickets for Australia, elaborated on the 21-year-old batting all-rounder’s output throughout the second day’s play on Fox Cricket.
“He’s only taken three wickets the whole series up until these last two, and it’s taken his captain to walk off the field for Reddy to step up — but he’s on fire,” he stated.
“He’s only medium pace, but he’s been accurate in this spell (and) bowled it in the right areas. Even he’s got some bounce off the surface and seam movement.
Indian journalist Harsha Bhogle added: “I think the idea was for Nitish Reddy to play a holding role, (but) he’s done much more than that.”
How Bumrah’s injury will impact his ability to bowl in the second innings remains to be seen. But series-long doubts over the output of his fellow pace bowlers are now no longer anywhere near as clouded.
India will be contempt with any target they set beyond 200 tomorrow, given the demons in the SCG wicket that could lead to three consecutive team scores below that figure this match.
And unpredictably, the trio of Siraj, Krishna and Reddy could define the series after their leader Bumrah had done it so frequently across the first four and a half Tests.
Sydney Pitch Praised and Criticized for its volatility
The SCG, traditionally renowned for its placid batting conditions, has undergone a dramatic conversion during the New Year’s test. This year, the wicket has become a seam bowler’s paradise, offering vicious bounce and sharp sideways movement that has left batsmen on both sides bewildered.
A Batsman’s Nightmare
The pitch, prepared with a generous layer of grass and the characteristic Bulli soil, has been relentless in its assault on batters. indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant endured a especially grueling first innings, taking several blows to his body, including a bruised arm, a head knock requiring a concussion test, and a comical hit to the groin.
Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc showcased the pitch’s potency by generating deliveries that soared over wicketkeeper Alex Carey’s head for four byes.The following day, Prasidh Krishna’s first ball rearing up to strike Australian vice-captain Steve Smith on the gloves further emphasized the wicket’s unpredictable nature.
Both teams were bowled out for under 200 in their first innings,a rarity not witnessed at the SCG as 1980. This led to a challenging final session on Saturday, where all Indian batters, except Rishabh Pant, struggled to cope with the treacherous conditions.
Praise and Criticism for Groundstaff
Australian coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged the groundstaff’s efforts in creating such a lively pitch.
“The groundstaff have done an unbelievable job in terms of creating a wicket with something in it,” McDonald remarked.
“Traditionally here it’s quite benign,and we’ve had a lot of draws … you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
Has it favoured bowlers a little bit more than what we expected and possibly the groundstaff expected? There’s there’s no doubt whatsoever about that,but it’s made for interesting cricket.”
Former Australian captain Allan Border, however, expressed reservations about the pitch’s extreme nature. He confessed that he had never seen the SCG pitch behave so erratically.
“At the moment it’s doing heaps. It’s swinging and also seaming,” Border said. “As a batsman, it’s a bit of a lottery… I’m not a big fan of those sort of tracks. I haven’t seen a pitch like this (in Sydney), where it’s probably just too bowler-friendly.”
Border emphasized the daunting challenge facing batsmen on this wicket,stating,”It feels like you’re never in (on this pitch).You can just get a jaffa … hits the edge and you’re ….”
Delayed gratification: Smith’s Quest for 10,000 Runs Hits a Snag
A sense of disappointment hung heavy over the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) as Steve Smith departed the crease on Saturday, just five runs shy of joining an exclusive club. While the home crowd stood witness to a brilliant display of batting, the milestone of 10,000 Test runs, a feat achieved by only three Australians before him – Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, and Allan border – remained tantalisingly out of reach.
A Telling Dismissal
Smith’s dismissal at the hands of Prasidh Krishna came just before lunch, sparking immediate debate about the reasons behind it. Experts and fans alike pondered whether the jubilant atmosphere, the weight of expectation, or simply a moment of brilliance from the Indian bowler were to blame.
“It does make for entertaining cricket,I suppose … if the bowlers are in the ascendancy in Test cricket,it tends to be a better game. So far from what I’ve seen, it’s a bit too lively, just a fraction.It’s a fine line, it’s hard to get it exactly right,” remarked former australian captain Allan Border, weighing in on the unpredictable nature of the pitch.
A Chance for Redemption
Despite the setback, Smith will have another opportunity to etch his name into cricketing history on his home ground. The Sydney Test, known for its entertaining nature and unpredictable conditions, promises to provide a fitting stage for this momentous achievement.
Mark Waugh, a veteran of many battles at the SCG, echoed Border’s sentiments, suggesting that India’s first innings total of 185 might prove to be a competitive score. His words underlined the challenging nature of the pitch and the importance of each run scored.
“185, as it turns out, could be quite good”, Border added, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Sydney wicket.
The 10,000 Run Club Beckons
The anticipation surrounding Smith’s impending milestone is palpable. as he returns to the crease, the cricketing world holds its breath, eager to witness history unfold.The question isn’t if, but when, Smith will join the pantheon of Test cricket greats – a truly remarkable achievement for any batsman.
The Commentator’s Curse? Steve Smith’s Near Miss and Cricket Superstitions
The commentators were left pondering whether they had inadvertently jinxed Steve Smith during the recent ashes test.
A Close Call
Former Australian cricketing greats, Allan Border and Adam Gilchrist, were ready to congratulate Smith on reaching the prestigious 10,000-run milestone when he was dismissed just shy of the mark.
“We thought, just for a moment, that we were going to see Steve Smith join AB in the 10,000 run club. He fell agonisingly short,” Gilchrist admitted.
They had even prepared to interview Smith at lunch, rushing down from the commentary box, but the batsman’s dismissal cut their plans short. “We were down there all rigged up and I was thinking about the groundbreaking question I was going to ask him and he snicked off,” Gilchrist added.
Border jokingly pinned the blame on fellow commentator and former cricketer, Brad McNamara. “Buzz McNamara, I think, he has to cop a fair bit of the blame,” Border quipped.
Smith’s Rituals and Superstitions
Smith’s near miss sparked a discussion about cricket superstitions, a topic the batsman himself is familiar with.
In an interview with foxsports.com.au last year, Smith revealed his own unique pre-batting routine, involving specific taps to his knee pads, protective box, and bat.“I make sure I do the same thing every time I go out to play and it just becomes my routine rather than a sort of superstition,” Smith explained. He also emphasized the importance of personal space while batting, stating, “I think when it comes to my batting, and it’s my turn to bat, people know to just sort of let me have my space (and) leave me alone, basically, and let me try to get into that bubble.”
Border shared his own superstition from his playing days.“I had a superstition about having my beard for a while there,” he recalled,”I was very reluctant to shave it off as I was scoring some runs,so I didn’t shave for a long time when I should have.”
He even recounted a time during the 1989 Ashes series when he refused to change seats while Australia’s opening batsmen were at the crease, adhering to a team superstition.
How has the SCG pitch differed from its traditional batting-friendly nature in the recent Australia vs. India Test match?
The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has been the center of attention during the ongoing Test match between Australia and India, with the pitch drawing both praise and criticism for its volatile nature. Traditionally known for its batting-friendly conditions, the SCG pitch has transformed into a seamer’s paradise, offering significant bounce and movement that has left batsmen from both teams struggling.
A Batsman’s Nightmare
The pitch,prepared with a thick layer of grass and the characteristic Bulli soil,has been relentless in its assault on batters. Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant endured a particularly grueling first innings, taking several blows to his body, including a bruised arm, a head knock requiring a concussion test, and a comical hit to the groin. Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc showcased the pitch’s potency by generating deliveries that soared over wicketkeeper Alex Carey’s head for four byes. The following day, Prasidh Krishna’s first ball reared up to strike Australian vice-captain Steve Smith on the gloves, further emphasizing the wicket’s unpredictable nature.
Both teams were bowled out for under 200 in their first innings, a rarity not witnessed at the SCG as 1980. This led to a challenging final session on Saturday,where all Indian batters,except Rishabh Pant,struggled to cope with the treacherous conditions.
Praise and Criticism for Groundstaff
Australian coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged the groundstaff’s efforts in creating such a lively pitch. “The groundstaff have done an unbelievable job in terms of creating a wicket with something in it,” McDonald remarked.”Traditionally here it’s quite benign, and we’ve had a lot of draws … you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Has it favoured bowlers a little bit more than what we expected and possibly the groundstaff expected? There’s no doubt whatsoever about that, but it’s made for fascinating cricket.”
Former Australian captain Allan Border, though, expressed reservations about the pitch’s extreme nature. He confessed that he had never seen the SCG pitch behave so erratically. “At the moment it’s doing heaps. It’s swinging and also seaming,” Border said.”As a batsman, it’s a bit of a lottery… I’m not a big fan of those sort of tracks. I haven’t seen a pitch like this (in Sydney), where it’s probably just too bowler-friendly.”
Border emphasized the daunting challenge facing batsmen on this wicket, stating, ”It feels like you’re never in (on this pitch).You can just get a jaffa … hits the edge and you’re ….”
Delayed Gratification: Smith’s Quest for 10,000 Runs Hits a Snag
A sense of disappointment hung heavy over the SCG as Steve Smith departed the crease on saturday, just five runs shy of joining an exclusive club. While the home crowd stood witness to a brilliant display of batting, the milestone of 10,000 Test runs, a feat achieved by only three Australians before him – Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, and Allan Border – remained tantalizingly out of reach.
A Telling Dismissal
Smith’s dismissal at the hands of Prasidh Krishna came just before lunch, sparking immediate debate about the reasons behind it. Experts and fans alike pondered whether the jubilant atmosphere, the weight of expectation, or simply a moment of brilliance from the Indian bowler were to blame.
“it does make for entertaining cricket, I suppose … if the bowlers are in the ascendancy in Test cricket, it tends to be a better game. So far from what I’ve seen,it’s a bit too lively,just a fraction. It’s a fine line, it’s hard to get it exactly right,” remarked former Australian captain Allan Border, weighing in on the unpredictable nature of the pitch.
A Chance for Redemption
despite the setback, Smith will have another opportunity to etch his name into cricketing history on his home ground. the Sydney Test,known for its entertaining nature and unpredictable conditions,promises to provide a fitting stage for this momentous achievement.
the SCG pitch has been a talking point for its extreme behavior, favoring bowlers and challenging batsmen. While it has made for an exciting contest, it has also raised questions about the balance between bat and ball in Test cricket. As the match progresses, all eyes will be on how the pitch continues to behave and whether Steve Smith can finally reach the elusive 10,000-run milestone.
