Team India’s Ongoing Struggles with the New Ball in Sydney as Early Wickets Fall

Team India’s troubles against the new ball persisted in Sydney as KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early to the pacers. Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill attempted to steady the innings with a promising partnership, but Gill was dismissed by Nathan Lyon on the last ball before lunch, marking yet another wicket for Lyon. Gill appeared confident and composed in his strokeplay, but slip fielder Steve Smith played a key role in unsettling him, contributing to his wicket before the break. This wicket left India in a vulnerable position heading into the interval.

After Shubman Gill’s dismissal, Virat Kohli didn’t last long, falling soon after play resumed in the second session. His continued issues with deliveries outside the off-stump deepened India’s troubles. By tea, India were in a difficult spot at 107 for 4, with the top order failing under pressure.

India’s Top Order Struggles Persist as Early Wickets Fall in Sydney

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant showed great resilience, taking several blows to his bicep, helmet, and twice to the abdomen. Despite this, he managed to score an unbeaten 32 off 80 balls. Pant displayed some aggression, including a straight six off Beau Webster, while holding the innings together. His determined effort was one of the few highlights in a difficult session for India.

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Ravindra Jadeja supported Pant with a gritty knock, scoring 11 off 50 balls as the pair stitched together a 35-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However, the scoring rate remained subdued, with only 50 runs coming from 25 overs in the second session. Jadeja’s cautious approach reflected the pressure on the middle order to salvage the innings.

India’s woes increased with the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma, who chose to “rest” due to his poor form. Even with this change, the top order struggled to capitalize on opportunities, leaving the middle order with a difficult task.

Rishabh Pant, on the other hand, showed improved temperament, seemingly benefiting from “honest conversations” with head coach Gautam Gambhir. The left-hander respected the game situation, apart from one misjudged charge at Pat Cummins.

Pant’s confident six off debutant Beau Webster and a well-timed back-cut boundary off Nathan Lyon just before tea showcased his resilience. Despite a painful blow to his left bicep from Boland, Pant’s disciplined approach stood out. The blow from Boland, the most effective Australian bowler, didn’t stop him from maintaining focus.

Earlier in the day, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, reunited as openers, failed to provide a solid start. Both were dismissed within the first hour of play as India struggled under overcast conditions after captain Jasprit Bumrah opted to bat first. The early wickets set the tone for what turned out to be a challenging day for the visitors.

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