Watch: Australia talisman Steve Smith fell agonisingly short of 10,000 runs as India clawed back in the Sydney Test with early breakthroughs on day two (January 4).
On the morning of day two, India had the hosts by scruff of the neck. After Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja (2) overnight following an on-field altercation with his opening partner Sam Konstas, he handed the first blow of the day by snaring Marnus Labuschagne cheaply.
A twin-wicket burst from Mohammed Siraj in the 12th over saw the return of Konstas, who slogged his way to 23 off 38, and India’s bogeyman Travis Head for four. Australia slipped to 39-4.
Just when it seemed like the visitors were in total control, Steve Smith, who will reportedly lead the team in Sri Lanka, steadied the ship with debutant Beau Webster. Smith got off to another start and was well poised to reach the 10,000-run mark. However, Prasidh Krishna, who replaced an injured Akash Deep, had other plans.
Off the first ball of the 28th over, Smith edged a full delivery outside off from Krishna to KL Rahul at slips while trying to drive on the up. Smith was dismissed for a 57-ball 33, falling just five runs short of his landmark. The dismissal gave India a sigh of relief as Australia went to lunch at 101-5.
Watch Prasidh Krishna dismiss Steve Smith:
Steve Smith needed just five runs to get to the 10,000 milestone but edged this one. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/LdIA3T5OAK
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2025
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