India's performance on the opening day of the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney was again a flopped show, with top-order batters again surrendering to Australian bowlers. Hoping to make a positive impact after deciding to bat, India could only muster 185 runs in their first innings, with their classy batters failing to execute their plans effectively. Australia’s bowling attack, led by Scott Boland, made it tough for Indian batters to score freely, which put India in a precarious position on Day 1.
India's struggle was visible right from the start, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul being sent back for (10) and (4) respectively. Australian bowlers were relentless in their brutal assault and the Indian top order fell apart under pressure. India registered quick dismissals, with Boland being the standout performer for the Aussies with the figures of 4-31. He managed to strike with crucial dismissals of Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Yashasvi Jaiswal. He was the one, who created havoc in the Indian batting lineup.
One of the key highlights of India’s dismal first innings was once again Virat Kohli’s failure to overcome his persistent weakness against deliveries outside off-stump. Kohli, who has been searching for form in recent times, fell for just a modest score of (17 off 69) after playing an uncharacteristic shot. Kohli’s struggles have been on full display over the last few matches in the series.
In addition to the top-order woes, India were also without their regular captain, Rohit Sharma, who opted out of the final Test following a series of disappointing performances in the earlier games. In his absence, pacer Jasprit Bumrah was handed the captaincy duties. Australia, on the other hand, suffered an early blow in their first innings after veteran batter Usman Khawaja was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah on the last ball of the day. Australia were 9/1 on day one at stumps. It’s for the sixth time in the series that Bumrah has claimed the wicket of Usman Khawaja.