AUS vs. IND [WATCH]: Shubman Gill falls to Nathan Lyon just before lunch on the first day of the SCG Test
The excitement of Test cricket often hinges on crucial moments that can change the momentum of the game. On the first day of the fifth Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a dramatic incident unfolded just before lunch, marking a significant milestone for India. Shubman Gillwho was trying to stabilize the innings after a shaky start, became a victim Nathan Lyon‘s cunning bowling.
A shaky start for India on day 1
India started under pressure Jasprit Bumrahis replaced Rohit Sharmahe won the toss and decided to bat first. The decision seemed optimistic at first, but quickly turned into an uncertain situation. Both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahulwere dismissed early by Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland leaving India trailing by 17 runs for two wickets. The pressure grew as Virat Kohli walked in and faced a hostile onslaught from the Australian bowler, who was already intent on dismantling the Indian batting line-up.
Shubman Gill’s brief engagement and a missed opportunity
Gill entered the circuit with high expectations after being selected to replace Rohit. He was able to form a crucial partnership with Kohli, adding 40 runs for the third wicket. However, despite his promising start, Gill’s innings ended prematurely. As lunch approached, he faced Lyon in the final before the break. With India at 57 runs and three wickets down, Gill’s dismissal was not just a loss of wickets; it was a psychological blow for the team.
Also WATCH: Steve Smith reacts after third umpire overrules his catch of Virat Kohli on day 1 of SCG Test – AUS vs IND
Nathan Lyon gets Gill just before lunch
On the last ball of the 25th over, Lyon played a ball that turned just enough to prompt Gill into an ill-advised charge down the pitch. After safely blocking the previous ball, he inexplicably settled on Lyon’s final delivery. The result was disastrous; he edged it straight on Steve Smith at the first slip. This moment summed up Gill’s struggles throughout the series – his inability to turn starts into meaningful results was a recurring theme. His dismissal for just 20 runs off 64 balls left India in a precarious position at lunch.
Here is the video:
Nathan Lyon gets a wicket on the last ball before lunch 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/B5nfTtBvem
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025
Steve Smith’s fiery reaction after the catch
The consequences of Gill’s dismissal ignited tensions on the field. Smith, visibly excited after taking the catch, launched a lunge at Gill as he returned to the pavilion. This reaction stemmed from frustration over a previous incident where Smith believed he had Kohli caught but was dismissed by the third umpire. The exchange between Smith and Gill added an extra layer of drama to an already tense match situation.
Lunchtime musings with a stabilized end of tea
As the players retired for lunch, India found themselves in a challenging position with 57 runs for three wickets. The Australian team celebrated their timely breakthrough while India were left to think about their strategy going forward. With Kohli still at the crease but now with him Rishabh Pant after lunch, there remained hope that they could stabilize and build a competitive total.
The Test cricket session ended with guts and determination. The run rate in the session of 2 clearly indicates the pressure exerted by the Australian bowlers throughout the afternoon, which made it difficult for the Indian batsmen to score. When play resumed after lunch, Kohli adjusted his stance effectively. However, his stay at the crease was short as Boland coaxed him into a cautious shot outside off. Pant faced a rigorous examination, enduring relentless movement and unpredictable bounce that resulted in several painful blows to his body. Ravindra Jadeja also faced a tough challenge, capitalizing on two fumbles that gave him a second chance. India managed a total of 107/4 by the end of Tea.
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