Reactions on Twitter: Rishabh Pant counters Scott Boland’s sensational spell to keep India in Sydney Test against Australia

The ongoing Fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground saw a fascinating battle of resilience and aggression as India battles Australia on a demanding surface. By stumps on day 2, India found themselves at 141/6 in his second innings, holding a slim but significant lead of 145 runs.

India’s resilience meets Australia’s ferocious bowling attack

After a strong fightback from the Indian bowlers who restricted Australia to 181 in their first innings, Scott Boland appeared as a thorn in India’s side. His incisive bowling returned figures of 4/42 in the second innings, putting India in a precarious position. However, a brisk counterattack took the lead Rishabh Pantwho blasted his way to a thrilling 61 off just 33 balls, breathed life into the contest.

His gutsy strokeplay, including six boundaries and four towering sixes, came as a much-needed counter-punch to Boland and Pat Cumminswho tightened the screws early. As the match approaches Day 3, all eyes are on the lower order, with Ravindra Jadeja i Washington Sundar tasked with increasing the lead on a course that offers a lot to bowlers.

Australia’s first innings collapsed amid India’s clinical bowling display

Resuming at 9/1 overnight, Australia faced relentless pressure from the Indian bowling attack on Day 2. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna he exploited the surface expertly, maintaining unyielding accuracy and extracting movement. Early breakthroughs saw Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja to go cheaply, with Bumrah dismissing both batsmen through an impeccable seam position. Steve Smith he held the innings together with a calm 33, but his resistance ended when Krishna challenged the lead KL Rahul.

The spotlight then shifted to Beau Websterwhose sharp 57 provided Australia with some semblance of stability. Webster’s patient knocking, peppered with five boundaries, betrayed his temperament, but the Indian bowlers always seemed to be one step ahead. Siraj’s fiery pace and Krishna’s consistency broke partnerships at crucial moments, while a debutant Nitish Kumar Reddyfiring Cummins and Mitchell Starc underlined the depth of India. Boland’s dismissal by Siraj wrapped up Australia’s innings at 181, leaving them trailing by four runs, ensuring the game remained delicately balanced.

Also WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah leaves SCG ground due to injury scare on Day 2 of 5th Test – AUS vs IND

Rishabh Pant’s counter-attacking brilliance and Scott Boland’s lethal spell

India’s second innings started with high expectations but soon descended into chaos as Boland wreaked havoc with his precision and control. The visitors lost Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli inside 13 overs, leaving them at 59/3. Shubman Gill and Pant steadied the ship briefly before Gill perished in Beau Webster’s sharp turn. Pant, however, turned the tide with a brilliant counter-attack that left the Australian bowlers scrambling for answers.

Displaying his full repertoire of strokes, Pant targeted both spinners and pacers, racing to a half-century in just 29 balls. His partnership with Jadeja added 46 crucial runs before Cummins struck to remove the dynamic left-hander. Boland returned soon after to dismiss Nitish Kumar Reddy, tightening Australia’s grip. Despite Pant’s heroics, India’s innings remained fragile, with Jadeja and Sundar tasked with navigating a difficult final session. Their stoic defense ensured India reached stumps without further damage, keeping alive the possibility of a competitive Day 3 total.

Here’s how Twitter responded:

Is Scott Boland the best fast bowler in the world who doesn’t feature in the first XI of a Test playing country?

— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) January 4, 2025

This top quality seam bowling from Scott Boland.

— Prasanna (@prasannalara) January 4, 2025

Scott Boland is a good bowler. But there’s no way he averages in the early 20s in any other era

That’s why bowlers should be watched more in this bowling era, and batsmen should be given freedom

This is of course case by case. Batting still reigns supreme in Pakistan, England have seen a revival, NZ remain

— Chatil Panditasekara (@ChatilPandi) January 4, 2025

If you see Scott Boland in public, it’s your civic duty to treat the man to a beer

— Jacqui Reed (@JacquiReed_) January 4, 2025

Scott Boland se zyada darr lagta hai… 😳

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 4, 2025

Forget posts and hands, Scott Boland could have a “length” named after him #AusvInd

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 4, 2025

This is the reason why Rishabh Pant is the most feared Indian batsman in Australia. It was spectacular and on this terrain, full of treachery, it was necessary.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 4, 2025

This is the Rishabh Pant I have known and liked over the years. Bringing pressure back on the opposition bowlers by taking calculated risks.

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) January 4, 2025

Sam Konstas, watch and learn from Master Rishabh Pant.

— Silly point (@FarziCricketer) January 4, 2025

Sunil Gavaskar reminds me of Master Shifu and Rishabh Pant from Kung fu Panda.

No matter what the “guru” says, the student will continue to do what he thinks works.

🤦🏾‍♂️😁

— KSR (@KShriniwasRao) January 4, 2025

It’s crazy that Scott Boland revealed his plans to get Kohli out.
And still pulled it out!
Using an accurate plan.

Shows how good he is and how out Kohli is…

— Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) January 4, 2025

Day 2, Stumps

India: 141/6, 145 run lead 🏏

Rishabh Pant: 61#Cricket #AUSvIND #RishabhPant #Indian team pic.twitter.com/A2JgcDxOCr

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 4, 2025

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