Explore the highlights of a tumultuous Day 1 where Scott Boland excels and India struggles, ending the day at a mere 185 runs.
Introduction:
The Border-Gavaskar series fifth and final Test began with off-field drama spilling over onto the field, leaving India in a precarious position against Australia. India’s top-order frailties, coupled with poor team management and questionable decision-making, have placed them firmly on the back foot. By the end of Day 1 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Australia was on top, despite a late strike by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah.
Team Selection Blues and Shaky Start
India continued their musical chair policy of team selection, and perhaps the most dramatic instance of that was when Rohit Sharma himself chose to give himself a rest, allowing Jasprit Bumrah to captain the side. Chasing their opponents on a lively, bouncy track, India folded under sustained pressure from Australia’s bowlers.
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The Indian batsmen seemed discomfited from the word go. KL Rahul fell for a mere 4 in the fifth over, mis-timing a leg-stump half-volley from Mitchell Starc straight to Sam Konstas at square leg. His fall was an indication of how things would unfold for the top order in the match. See also: The Dawn of a New Era in Indian Cricket 2025: Nitish Kumar Reddy
Scott Boland’s Masterclass
Scott Boland proved to be the wrecker-in-chief for Australia, as his spell left the Indian batters in tatters. His figures of 20-8-31-4 underlined brilliance, as he continuously hit the right length, drawing sharp seam movement and uneven bounce from the green SCG pitch.
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Boland’s accuracy proved valuable early when Yashaswi Jaiswal edged to debutant Beau Webster at third slip for 10. The left-hander’s departure left exposed the Indian middle order, and the slide went on.
Kohli continues his struggles
The setbacks for Virat Kohli were not over for the series; he could not make the most of a life on offer quite early in his innings. He edged Boland, which Steve Smith seemed to catch low in second slip; however, extensive replays ruled it not out, according to TV umpire Joel Wilson.

Kohli attempted to grind his way through, adopting a side-on stance to counter his recurring issues with edging behind. However, Boland had the final say, forcing another nick to third slip where Webster made no mistake. Kohli’s 17 off 69 balls highlighted his ongoing battle with form, as Boland dismissed him for the fourth time in six innings this series.
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Brief Resistance by Pant and Jadeja
Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja finally provided a semblance of stability with a 48-run stand for the fifth wicket. Pant, ordinarily criticized for his rash shot selection, showed some uncharacteristic restraint during his 25 off 68 balls. But that was a rare moment of aggression that saw him dispatch Webster over the sightscreen for six.

Jadeja, too, dug in for his 26 off 95 balls but found little support from the lower order. The partnership ended when Boland struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy in consecutive deliveries.
Australia’s Seamers Dominate
The depth and versatility of Australia’s bowling attack left India with no room to breathe. While Boland was the star, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc also played their roles to perfection.
Starc, who had been nursing back issues, bowled with venom, and his deliveries often hit speeds of 147kph. The uneven bounce regularly unsettled the Indian batters. Starc’s bruising spell included a blow to Pant’s bicep and helmet, underlining his hostile intent. He eventually trapped Jadeja lbw to further dismantle India’s innings.
The Australian skipper Cummins completed the Indian tail, ensuring that the visitors were dismissed for a meager 185 just before stumps.

Late Drama by Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah added a touch of drama to the day, first with the bat and then with the ball. His spirited knock of 22 off 17 balls featured some lusty blows, injecting brief energy into the Indian camp.
With the ball, Bumrah delivered a morale-boosting strike off the last ball of the day, removing Usman Khawaja for a duck. His animated celebration, including a fiery exchange with non-striker Sam Konstas, added spice to an already intense contest.

Day Two Ahead
With the teams getting ready for Day 2, Australia has the upper hand as they are sitting at 9 for 1 with a dominating bowling display behind them. Bumrah and the rest of India’s bowlers will have to capitalize on the lively pitch and deliver a disciplined effort to keep the game alive.
For India, the chaotic start underscores the need for clarity in team selection and better execution under pressure. Meanwhile, Australia will aim to build a substantial lead and press home their advantage in what promises to be a gripping day of Test cricket.

Key Highlights
Scott Boland’s Dominance: 4 wickets for 31 runs in 20 overs.
Virat Kohli’s Continued Struggles: Out for 17, edging behind yet again.
Pant and Jadeja’s Fightback: Only positive moment in the whole show for Indians – a 48-run partnership.
Bumrah’s All-rounder performance – 22 with the bat, and one very crucial wicket of Khawaja.
The game is certainly up against the hosts at SCG, but it is always tough to believe as long as the ball moves, and it certainly does from here, coupled with the support of the pitch.