India drop Rohit Sharma but batters struggle again in Australia

Australia gain the early advantage in Sydney in the World Test Championship deciding fifth Test against India.

India dropped skipper Rohit Sharma but their batting woes continued as they were dismissed for 185 on the opening day of the crucial fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney.

Scott Boland led the way with four for 31 on Friday as Australia’s bowlers revelled in seam-friendly conditions to restrict India’s scoring and knock over wickets with a regularity that delighted a sellout crowd of 48,000.

Only the suspicion of what Jasprit Bumrah, the outstanding bowler of the series and Rohit’s replacement as captain, might do on the surface constrained the joy of home fans packed into the famous old ground.

They got a hint from the last ball of the three overs India managed to bowl before the close of play when Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja for two.

Teenager Sam Konstas, who had a brief altercation with Bumrah just before Khawaja’s departure, will resume on seven not out with Australia nine for one.

Australia lead the series 2-1 and will not only seal the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also a place in the World Test Championship final against South Africa with a victory in the finale.

“I thought all the bowlers were really good. To bowl them out for under 200 was an excellent day,” said Australia’s debutant all-rounder Beau Webster, who conceded it may not be the highest-scoring surface. “I’m not really sure what a good score is just yet, until both teams bat on it,” he added.

Boland precipitated the end of India’s laboured innings early in the final session when he had Rishabh Pant caught at mid-on for 40 and dismissed Melbourne centurion Nitish Kumar Reddy off consecutive balls.

Washington Sundar was beaten by