India vs Australia 5th Test Day 3 LIVE Updates: After five intense matches and over six weeks of thrilling cricket, the action-packed Border-Gavaskar Trophy is heading toward a gripping conclusion at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Day three of the final match promises to be decisive, as the series has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows with standout performances from both sides. With 26 wickets falling in just two days, the SCG pitch has proven to be a bowler’s paradise, particularly favoring pace. As we enter the third day, all signs point to an electrifying finale.

On day two, India put in a collective bowling effort to dismiss Australia for 181 runs, securing a slim 4-run lead going into the third innings. The batting conditions, far from easing up, remained tricky, with unpredictable seam movement and bounce making life difficult for both sides. Even bowlers with gentler pace, like Nitish Kumar Reddy, found success on this challenging surface. For India, these conditions seem to be more favorable, giving them confidence that they can again dismantle Australia’s batting lineup. So far, India has shown intent and resilience in their batting, putting themselves in a slightly better position than their opponents.

India’s primary concern, however, lies in the fitness of their star bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. If Bumrah is unable to take the field in the fourth innings due to his back spasms, India will face an uphill battle. Already short on pace options, the team would have to rely heavily on Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna to carry the load. Bumrah has been a standout player throughout the tour, serving as India’s leader and most reliable performer. Losing him in a critical stage of the match would be a significant blow.

On the bright side for India, both Siraj and Krishna delivered impressive performances in the first innings. Each took three crucial wickets, stepping up when Bumrah was not at his best due to his fitness struggles. While there were moments of inconsistency in their bowling, both pacers consistently posed threats and didn’t allow Australian batters to settle into long partnerships.

As the pitch continues to deteriorate and batting becomes increasingly difficult, Australia’s chase will require mental toughness and strategic planning. They’ll need a clear target to aim for and patience to weather the storm. The key will be how batters like Sam Konstas and Travis Head handle these conditions. They’ll look to follow the example set by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, who batted with positivity and aggression on this tricky surface. A quick start from the Aussies could pile pressure back onto India’s bowlers.

Before they think about chasing a target, Australia must focus on breaking the partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Jadeja has been cautious at the crease, sometimes getting stuck in his defensive shell. While he’s already had some luck after being dropped once, Jadeja and Sundar will need to take calculated risks to push India closer to a 200-run lead. Reaching this mark won’t be easy, but it could give India a crucial psychological advantage over their opponents.

Throughout this series, Australia has largely been the dominant side, often appearing superior in all departments. However, India has managed to keep themselves in contention with timely performances, refusing to give up even when odds were stacked against them. Australia hasn’t won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in over a decade and will be desperate to reclaim it while securing their spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa. On the other hand, another iconic Indian victory in Australia could see them retain the trophy and stay in the race for their own WTC final berth.

As day three unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Jadeja and Sundar can extend India’s lead past 200. It’s a crucial morning session that could set the tone for what promises to be a dramatic end to an unforgettable series!