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India`s Top Order Crumbles in Sydney Test

India faced a challenging start on the first day of the decisive fifth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. With captain Rohit Sharma rested, Jasprit Bumrah took over as skipper and opted to bat first on a green-tinged wicket under overcast conditions. This decision quickly proved detrimental as India's top order collapsed to 57-3 by lunch.

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were dismissed within the first eight overs, leaving India in a precarious position. Rahul fell early, handing a simple catch to Sam Konstas at square leg, while Jaiswal edged a delivery to debutant Beau Webster at third slip. Virat Kohli, who faced jeers from the crowd due to a previous incident, managed to survive a close call with the TV umpire after a catch appeal from Steve Smith. Replays suggested the ball may have touched the grass, allowing Kohli to remain at the crease with 12 runs not out at lunch.

Nathan Lyon's introduction into the bowling attack further compounded India's woes, as Shubman Gill edged a ball to Smith, who took a clean catch, ending the session on a low note for the visitors. With Australia leading the series 2-1, they are in a strong position to regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy, while India needs either a win or a drawn series to retain it for a record-extending fifth consecutive time. Australia made one change to their lineup, bringing in Beau Webster for Mitch Marsh.

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