India vs Australia LIVE: 5th Test, Day 1 – Rishabh Pant Joins Virat Kohli, No Changes in Batting Order
Stay updated with live coverage of the 5th Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Witness the latest scores, key moments, and player performances as India faces early challenges on Day 1.
India vs Australia LIVE: 5th Test, Day 1 – Rishabh Pant Joins Virat Kohli, No Changes in Batting Order
Australia takes a commanding lead after claiming three wickets in the opening session of Day 1 of the 5th Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). India's promising partnership between Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill was cut short right before lunch when Nathan Lyon took Gill's wicket. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland had already taken the first two wickets, while Kohli received an unexpected second chance when Steve Smith dropped his catch.
With India's full-time captain Rohit Sharma missing this Test, stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah opted to bat first after winning the toss. The team saw two changes; Shubman Gill stepped in for Rohit, and Prasidh Krishna replaced the injured Akash Deep.
Current Match Status: 68/3 (30 overs)
Location: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
Captain: Jasprit Bumrah
Run Rate: 2.25
Key Batsmen: Virat Kohli 12 (60), Rishabh Pant 6* (10)
Against Bowlers: Pat Cummins 22/0 (8.3), Scott Boland 6/1 (7)
Live Updates
3 Jan 2025 8:05 AM ISTIndia vs Australia LIVE: 5th Test, Day 1 – Rishabh Pant Joins Virat Kohli, No Changes in Batting Order
08:07 AM IST - Confidence for Kohli: Virat Kohli continues to build his confidence with every delivery faced. The star batter has begun to look for driving opportunities, although such shots have previously led to his downfall in this series. Despite Pat Cummins seeking a breakthrough, Kohli has remained largely untroubled so far.
Current Score: India 71/3 (31 overs)
07:57 AM IST - Rishabh Pant Finds First Boundary: Rishabh Pant capitalizes on a loose delivery from Pat Cummins, striking his first boundary of the day. His approach appears more calm and composed compared to previous outings, which bodes well for India's innings.
Current Score: India 64/3 (29 overs)
07:50 AM IST - Focus on Pant's Play Style: After receiving criticism in Melbourne for his reckless shot that turned the tide against India, all eyes are on Rishabh Pant today. It will be interesting to observe how the wicket-keeper batsman manages his innings this time, given the pressure on India's lower order.
Current Score: India 59/3 (27 overs)
07:46 AM IST - Australia has taken command early in the 5th Test, having picked up three wickets in the first session. Rishabh Pant has joined Virat Kohli at the crease following Shubman Gill's dismissal right before lunch.
07:44 AM IST - WICKET! Shubman Gill is out! Nathan Lyon strikes, and India's promising partnership with Kohli concludes at a crucial moment.
07:37 AM IST - 2nd Session Begins: The second session of Day 1 has commenced. Kohli and Pant need to form a resilient partnership to stabilize the innings.
07:30 AM IST - India’s batting order remains intact as Rohit Sharma opts out of this Test, leaving Bumrah to captain the side.
07:16 AM IST - As India loses vital wickets, fans are concerned about Pant's performance following criticism from previous matches. How will he respond today?
07:13 AM IST - Review time: Australia loses their first DRS call, with a missed LBW decision on Gill. He survives!
07:01 AM IST - Blow for India: Right before lunch, Gill edges it to slip, and India finds themselves in trouble at 57/3.
06:51 AM IST - Kohli has settled well, maintaining an impressive control percentage while tactically rotating the strike with Gill.
06:43 AM IST - The introduction of debutant Beau Webster has stirred interest; he brings a unique bowling style as the team seeks breakthroughs.
06:29 AM IST - Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar comments on Rohit Sharma's decision to step down, praising the captain's selflessness.
06:25 AM IST - Scott Boland has posed challenges early, claiming the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Can Kohli withstand the pressure?
06:05 AM IST - India’s top order is under pressure after early wickets; they need a steadying partnership now more than ever.
