In a day of fast-paced action, where 314 runs were scored and 15 wickets fell, India finished the day with a 145-run lead in the second Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Despite the sizeable advantage, the match remains evenly poised, as Scott Boland’s fiery spell reduced India to their last recognised batting pair. Meanwhile, India’s lead may seem smaller with the growing concern over Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness after he was absent for the second session due to a suspected injury. While the exact nature of the injury remains unclear, Bumrah’s absence added pressure, but India still managed to scrape through to a four-run first innings lead in his absence.

The day began with India looking confident, with Yashasvi Jaiswal launching a spirited attack, scoring four boundaries off Mitchell Starc’s first over. However, their aggressive start was cut short by Boland, who dismissed KL Rahul and Jaiswal in quick succession. Boland, alongside the pitch’s seam movement, wreaked havoc, further dismissing Virat Kohli, who once again fell to an edge caught at slip.

India’s resistance came from Rishabh Pant, who counter-attacked right from the word go. Pant, showing an aggressive approach, launched into Boland with a stunning drive down the track for a boundary. Despite the fall of Shubman Gill, who was dismissed by debutant Beau Webster, Pant remained a standout performer. His quick-fire half-century came off just 29 balls, the second fastest in India’s Test history. Pant’s attacking strokes against Boland, Starc, and Webster helped India maintain momentum, with a 44-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja.

However, Pant’s charge was halted after the final drinks break of the day. Pat Cummins, maintaining his control, sent Pant back to the pavilion as he edged one to the keeper. This marked the fourth time in the series that Cummins had gotten the better of Pant. With Pant’s departure, the scoring rate slowed significantly as India struggled to break free from Australia’s tight bowling. Nitish Reddy, trying to break the pressure, was dismissed by Boland, and India’s hopes of extending the lead further seemed to falter.

Earlier in the day, India’s pace attack had put Australia under pressure, dismissing them for just 181 in their first innings, securing a narrow four-run lead. Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj had initially troubled the Australian batsmen, with Bumrah dismissing Marnus Labuschagne early. However, Australia’s recovery came through Steve Smith, who, alongside Beau Webster, began to steady the ship with a 57-run partnership. Despite Smith’s valiant efforts, India continued to make breakthroughs, with Prasidh Krishna dismissing Smith just before he could add another milestone to his career.

With Australia at 39/4 early in the second session, India seemed to be in control. However, the middle-order resistance from Webster and Smith kept the game on a knife-edge. As the conditions improved and the pitch eased out a little, Australia managed to recover, only for India to strike again. Prasidh Krishna dismissed Smith for 33, sending Australia into the break with a much-needed jolt.

At stumps, India were 141/6, with Pant’s aggressive knock the highlight of the day. Despite a strong showing by Boland, who claimed 4 wickets for 42 runs, India’s lead remained intact at 145 runs.

As the match progresses, the outcome remains uncertain, with Australia still holding hope for a counter-attack on Day Three.

Brief Scores:
India 185 and 141/6 (Rishabh Pant 61; Scott Boland 4-42) lead Australia 181 (Beau Webster 57, Steve Smith 33; Prasidh Krishna 3-42) by 145 runs

The couple’s social media activity has sparked fresh speculation about their relationship. Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and his wife, choreographer Dhanashree Verma, have ignited divorce rumours after an unusual shift in their social media presence. Both stars have recently unfollowed each other on Instagram, with Chahal going a step further by deleting all photos with Dhanashree from his account. Meanwhile, Dhanashree still has posts with Yuzvendra but has unfollowed him.

Sources close to the couple have confirmed the swirling rumours of a split, stating, “The divorce is inevitable, and it’s only a matter of time before it becomes official. The exact reasons for their separation remain unclear, but it seems they have decided to part ways.”

The rumours began to gather steam in 2023 after Dhanashree subtly removed ‘Chahal’ from her Instagram handle. This came shortly after Yuzvendra posted a cryptic message on his story, reading, “New life loading.” At that time, the cricketer had dismissed the rumours, urging his followers not to believe or spread any false claims about his marriage.

Dhanashree and Yuzvendra tied the knot on December 11, 2020, after a brief romance that blossomed during the pandemic. On a popular TV show, Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 11, Dhanashree shared the story of how they first met. She recalled, “During the lockdown, with no matches taking place, Yuzi decided he wanted to learn dance. Having seen my dance videos on social media, he approached me to become my student, and I agreed to teach him.”

Despite the ongoing speculation, neither party has officially confirmed the reasons for the apparent distance in their relationship. Fans continue to await further updates regarding the status of their marriage.

In an unexpected turn during the fifth Test against Australia, Jasprit Bumrah was forced to leave the field for precautionary scans on Day 2 after feeling discomfort following his post-lunch spell. Virat Kohli stepped in to lead India in his absence.

India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, faced an untimely setback during Day 2 of the ongoing fifth Test against Australia, after feeling discomfort while bowling in the post-lunch session. Bumrah, who has been in sensational form throughout the series with 32 wickets to his name, was seen leaving the field mid-session, following an apparent side strain. The Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, was seen leading the team in his absence.

Bumrah had bowled a single over following the break when he began experiencing discomfort. He spoke with Kohli before leaving the field, with official broadcasters capturing him departing the venue in an SUV, accompanied by the team’s security liaison officer, Anshuman Upadhyay, and team doctor.

The Indian pacer was sent for precautionary scans to assess the injury, which is believed to be a side strain. Bumrah was away from the field for over three hours, causing some concern within the Indian camp. However, his return to the dressing room after the scans offered some relief. The pacer’s absence was keenly felt as the Indian team looked to build on a strong first-innings performance.

On the field earlier in the day, Bumrah had claimed 2 wickets for 33 runs in his 10 overs, including the key dismissal of Marnus Labuschagne in the morning session. Despite the injury scare, Bumrah’s efforts in the first innings were instrumental in India’s efforts to dismiss Australia.

In his absence, Virat Kohli stepped up to captain the team, a role that saw him manage the squad with poise, even as tensions heightened. On the field, Bumrah had exhibited a fiery side when an Australian player reportedly made provocative comments from the non-striker’s end. Bumrah’s visible frustration led to a heated moment, with several of his teammates, including Kohli and KL Rahul, coming to his defense.

The incident sparked a flurry of reactions, including a strong statement from Rohit Sharma, who expressed his support for Bumrah and the team. “Humare ladke jab tak shaant hain tab tak shaant hain. Agar aap ungli kar rahe ho, tab thodi na koi shaant baithega. Cricket khelo, yeh faaltu ki cheezein, yeh bol bachchan karna shobha nhi deta hai,” Rohit stated, emphasizing the importance of focusing on cricket and not engaging in unnecessary verbal exchanges.

With Bumrah back in the dressing room, the Indian team is left hoping for his swift recovery ahead of Australia’s second innings. Kohli’s leadership has proven crucial in maintaining composure on the field during a challenging moment for the team. The full extent of Bumrah’s injury remains to be seen, but his return to action in the near future will be vital for India’s chances in the match.