AUS vs IND [WATCH]: Shubman Gill falls to Nathan Lyon just before lunch on Day 1 of SCG Test

The excitement of Test cricket often hinges on pivotal moments that can shift the momentum of the game. On Day 1 of the fifth Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a dramatic incident unfolded just before lunch, marking a significant turning point for the India. Shubman Gill, who had been looking to stabilize the innings after a shaky start, fell victim to Nathan Lyon‘s cunning bowling.

A shaky start for India on Day 1

India’s innings began under pressure as Jasprit Bumrah, standing in for Rohit Sharma, won the toss and opted to bat first. The decision seemed optimistic initially, but it quickly turned into a precarious situation. Both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, were dismissed early by Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland , leaving India reeling at 17 runs for two wickets. The pressure mounted as Virat Kohli walked in to face a hostile Australian bowling attack, which had already set its sights on dismantling India’s batting lineup.

Shubman Gill’s brief stint and missed opportunity

Gill entered the crease with high expectations after being selected to replace Rohit. He managed to forge 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 over before the break. With India at 57 runs and three wickets down, Gill’s dismissal was not just a loss of a wicket; it was a psychological blow to the team.

Also WATCH: Steve Smith reacts after 3rd umpire overturns 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 bowled a delivery that turned just enough to tempt Gill into an ill-advised charge down the pitch. Having blocked the previous ball confidently, he inexplicably decided to attack Lyon’s final delivery. The result was disastrous; he edged it straight to Steve Smith at first slip. This moment encapsulated Gill’s struggles throughout the series—his inability to convert starts into substantial scores has been a recurring theme. His dismissal for just 20 runs off 64 balls left India in a precarious position at lunch.

Here’s 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 aftermath of Gill’s dismissal ignited tensions on the field. Smith, visibly charged after taking the catch, directed an outburst towards Gill as he walked back to the pavilion. This reaction stemmed from frustration over a previous incident where Smith believed he had caught Kohli but was denied by the third umpire. The exchange between Smith and Gill added an extra layer of drama to an already tense match situation.

Lunchtime reflections with stabilised end of Tea session

As players retreated for lunch, India found itself in a challenging position at 57 runs for three wickets. The Australian team celebrated their timely breakthrough while India was left contemplating its strategy moving forward. With Kohli still at the crease but now joined by Rishabh Pant post-lunch, hopes remained that they could stabilize and build a competitive total.

The session of Test cricket concluded with grit and determination. The session’s run rate of 2 clearly indicates the pressure exerted by the Australian bowlers during the afternoon, making it challenging for the Indian batters to score runs. As play resumed after lunch, Kohli adapted his stance effectively. However, his stay at the crease was brief as Boland coaxed a tentative poke from him 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 encountered a tough challenge, benefiting from two dropped catches that gave him a second chance. India by the end of Tea managed a total of 107/4.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s why Rohit Sharma is not playing the Sydney Test