Australia faced early setbacks as Labuschagne, Konstas, and Head fell to India’s pacers, allowing the visitors to dominate the session.
Despite a gritty partnership between Beau Webster and Steve Smith, India regained control by dismissing Smith before lunch and eventually bowling Australia out for 181, securing a slim 4-run lead by Tea.
In India’s second innings, Scott Boland struck early, removing Rahul, Jaiswal, and Kohli to leave India reeling at 39/3. However, Rishabh Pant counterattacked with a stunning display of aggressive batting. In the 22nd over, Pant turned the game on its head.
On the second ball, Mitchell Starc bowled a full delivery angling in, and Pant nonchalantly whipped it over deep square leg for a six. This shot brought up Pant’s fifty off just 29 balls, the second-fastest by an Indian in Tests.
On the very next delivery, Starc bowled a length ball angling in, and Pant, brimming with confidence, sent it soaring to deep square leg for another six.
Rishab Pant hit two consecutives six on Mitchell Starc ball
— The Comrade (@Yogeshp89973385) January 4, 2025
Rishabh Pant has reached a score of 60. pic.twitter.com/5uf2dLAKyu
The SCG crowd was left stunned by Pant’s audacious approach, while social media lit up with praise for his fearless and electrifying innings.