WATCH: Back as opener, KL Rahul falls cheaply as Mitchell Starc draws first blood

WATCH: Back as opener, KL Rahul falls cheaply as Mitchell Starc draws first blood. (Photo Source: Disney+ Hostar)

India’s fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) started on a disappointing note as KL Rahul fell for just 4 runs off 14 balls. The Indian batter, who was put back to his preferred opening position, was caught at forward square by Sam Konstas off Mitchell Starc. It was a soft dismissal that provided Australia with the early breakthrough they needed.

Rahul’s form leading into the match had been mixed. He opened in the first three Tests, producing scores of 26, 77, 37, and 7. Despite being India’s top performer initially, a change in batting position in Melbourne saw him demoted to No. 3, where he managed scores of 24 and 0. 

Starc’s delivery to Rahul was a fuller ball, angled on the pads. Attempting to clip it off his pads, he failed to keep the ball down and chipped it straight to Konstas at forward square. The catch was taken chest-high.

Watch Rahul’s dismissal here:

Also Read: AUS vs IND 2024-25: Why is Rohit Sharma not playing fifth Test?

Scott Boland gets rid of Yashasvi Jaiswal

India’s batting woes continued as they lost their other opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal for just 10 runs off 26 balls, leaving the visitors at 17 for the loss of two wickets early in the day. Following Rahul’s dismissal, Jaiswal became the victim of Scott Boland. The pacer delivered a peach of a delivery at 128.6 kph, that swung away just enough to induce an edge. Jaiswal who was caught in two minds, attempted to push at the ball against the angle. This led to a thick edge, which was safely grabbed by debutant Beau Webster at third slip. Jaiswal, who has been in fine form recently, couldn’t replicate his earlier successes and fell prey to Boland.