Boland Strikes Twice to Shake India: Australia’s Bowlers Dominate SCG
Cummins Bounces Out Washington Sundar
Amid Australia’s commanding bowling display, Pat Cummins delivered a decisive short ball down the leg side. Though initially given not out, Alex Carey convinced Cummins to review. Snicko revealed a faint spike as the ball brushed Washington Sundar’s glove, prompting TV umpire Joel Wilson to overturn the decision. Sundar exited for 14 off 30 balls, leaving India struggling at 148 for 8 in 66 overs.
Starc Traps Jadeja with Precision
Mitchell Starc dismantled Ravindra Jadeja’s resistance with a lethal in-swinger, trapping him plumb in front. Jadeja’s attempt to review was futile, as replays showed the ball striking the middle of the middle stump. This dismissal came after a series of hostile short balls, leaving India teetering at 134 for 7. Starc’s relentless pace and movement showcased Australia’s dominance leading to the moment where Boland strikes twice to shake India.
Boland Strikes Twice to Shake India
Scott Boland turned the tide of the match with a breathtaking spell. Rishabh Pant, who had shown remarkable restraint, fell trying to pull a short ball from Boland, mistiming it to Cummins at mid-on for 40 off 98 balls. On the very next delivery, Boland produced a trademark delivery on a perfect length, forcing Reddy to nick it to the slips for a golden duck. Though denied a hat-trick, Boland’s spell left India reeling at 120 for 6. His precision and consistency proved why Boland strikes twice to shake India became the turning point of the game.
Boland’s Masterclass Against India
Boland’s impact extended beyond the wickets of Pant and Reddy. He had earlier troubled Virat Kohli during a boundary-less stay, eventually dismissing him with a nick to the cordon. This marked the fourth time Boland removed Kohli in Tests, putting him level with Joe Root as his top victim. Boland’s relentless accuracy, maintaining an economy rate of under a run per over, exemplified his value as he repeatedly troubled Ravindra Jadeja with the 50-over-old ball. Once again, Boland strikes twice to shake India as Australia asserted control.
Pant’s Dual Persona at SCG
Rishabh Pant displayed contrasting approaches at the SCG. After criticism for his risky shot at the MCG, Pant initially defended cautiously, even enduring blows from Starc’s fiery deliveries. However, he eventually showcased his flair by stepping out and smashing Webster over the sightscreen for six. Yet, his attempt to counter Boland’s precision proved his undoing, reinforcing why Boland strikes twice to shake India remained the pivotal narrative of the day.
Tea at the SCG: Australia Dominates
India ended the first session at 107 for 4, with Pant and Jadeja trying to stabilize the innings. Jadeja was given a lifeline after Smith dropped a catch, but the pair struggled against relentless Australian bowling. After tea, Boland and Starc dismantled India’s lineup, emphasizing why Boland strikes twice to shake India will be remembered as the defining theme of the match.
Starc’s Pace and Boland’s Precision Lead the Charge
Mitchell Starc ramped up his pace to 147kph, exploiting the SCG pitch’s uneven bounce to trouble Pant and Jadeja. While Starc’s fiery spells left Pant bruised, it was Boland’s consistency and lethal deliveries that turned the game. Together, their efforts ensured that Boland strikes twice to shake India would headline Australia’s dominant performance at the SCG.
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