Fri. Jan 31st, 2025

India vs Australia 3rd Test Day 5: Top 5 Collapse as Bumrah and Siraj Dominate

The India vs. Australia third test match was on the watchlist at Brisbane on 18th December, 2024. There were various exciting happenings on Day 5 of this particular match. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj kept the Australians at bay as they batted, witnessing one of the most dramatic collapses in the history of Test cricket since the end of the fifth day. India’s hopes of a draw were mostly dependent on these two bowlers, and they delivered. Let’s explore the major events that shaped the day.

Early Breakthroughs: Bumrah and Siraj Take Control

India’s Day 5 performance was nothing short of spectacular. The Australian team, starting with a comfortable 275-run target in their fourth innings, had no idea what was coming.

Bumrah and Siraj set the tone right from the start. Within the first few overs, they dismantled the top order with remarkable precision. Here’s a breakdown of the collapse:

Batter	Wicket	Bowler	Score
Usman Khawaja	Bowled after a shattered stump	Bumrah	8(7)
Marnus Labuschagne	Caught behind on a cut shot	Bumrah	1(9)
Travis Head	Caught behind on a pull shot	Siraj	17(19)

Bumrah and Siraj were in absolute control, with both bowlers striking at important moments. India’s hopes of pushing for a draw were growing stronger as Australia’s most reliable batsmen crumbled under pressure.

The Collapse Continues: Siraj's Brilliance

As Australia tried to stabilize, Siraj continued to trouble the Australian batters with his pace and swing. His deliveries had the perfect mix of aggression and accuracy. At one point, Australia was reeling at 39/5 after Steve Smith was dismissed for a mere 4 runs.

Batter	Wicket	Bowler	Score
Steve Smith	Caught down the leg side	Siraj	4(5)
Mitchell Marsh	Caught behind on an edge	Akash Deep	2(13)
Matt Renshaw	Caught behind off a pull shot	Siraj	1(7)

Siraj’s delivery to Smith, which squeezed through the gap to catch the edge, was a standout moment, as it effectively halted any Australian momentum. The collapse continued with Travis Head and Matthew Renshaw quickly following.

Bumrah Breaks Records and Takes Charge

Jasprit Bumrah solidified his legacy as the match approached its important phase by surpassing Kapil Dev’s record for the most Test wickets taken by an Indian bowler in Australia. The dismissal of Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne (caught behind) highlighted Bumrah’s genius.

Batter	Wicket	Bowler	Score
Usman Khawaja	Bowled out on a beautiful delivery	Bumrah	8(7)
Marnus Labuschagne	Caught behind	Bumrah	1(9)

The wickets fell at a fast pace, with Australia now at 16/2. Bumrah’s pace was unplayable, forcing the Australian batters into mistakes and errors.

Siraj’s Maiden 5-Wicket Haul

Australia had lost rhythm by the time Mohammad Siraj grabbed his five wickets. His constant pressure on the Australian batters helped India maintain control of the match and increase the pressure.

Batter	Wicket	Bowler	Score
Travis Head	Top-edge caught by Pant	Siraj	17(19)
Alex Carey	Stumped by Pant off Head’s delivery	Akash Deep	31(44)

After a dismal showing with the bat, Australia’s top order had been completely dismantled, with India’s bowlers remaining dominant.

Final Moments: Bumrah and Siraj Finish the Job

As the match neared its final stages, Bumrah and Siraj combined once more to finish the game. India, having gotten Australia to 89/7, was now on the verge of securing a draw. The Australian batting line-up had been crushed, with the collapse now a mere formality.

Batter	Wicket	Bowler	Score
Pat Cummins	Caught at extra cover off Bumrah	Bumrah	22(10)
Mitchell Starc	Bowled out by Siraj	Siraj	0(5)

As Australia’s middle and lower orders failed to stand their ground, India’s strategy of containing the opposition proved successful. Bumrah and Siraj’s dominance ensured a fitting end to a dramatic Day 5.

Conclusion: A Hard-Fought Draw for India

In the India vs. Australia third test, India’s resilience was showcased by their ability to repel the Australian attack and hold out for a draw. The heroes were Siraj and Bumrah, who both took numerous wickets and caused havoc in the Australian lineup. Despite the unpredictable weather and the pressure of the situation, India held on, and the World Test Championship qualification race remained alive for them. India’s performance ensured that the series was tied at 1-1 heading into Melbourne. With only two games left in the WTC cycle, India’s road to the final is still open.