2 days ago
Siraj (3-51) and Prasidh Krishna (3-42) certainly have what it takes to ask questions of Australia’s batsmen in the fourth innings but no Bumrah is undoubtedly a psychological edge for Pat Cummins’ men.
Earlier in the day, Konstas couldn’t get going, Steve Smith (33) fell five runs short of 10,000 Test runs, while Webster produced the best debut innings by an Australian No.6 since Marcus North made 117 against South Africa in 2009. He did not look out of place and was warmly embraced by the SCG crowd. “We felt it was the right decision [to pick Webster over Marsh],” McDonald said. “Incredibly happy for him.”
Pant’s 50 came off 29 balls – one ball slower than his half-century against Sri Lanka in 2022 – in a superb display of power-hitting. The highlight was back-to-back sixes off Mitchell Starc to the western side of the ground.
Whether Bumrah bowls or not, Australia have their eyes firmly on the trophy.
