5th Test Day 2: Pant Shines As India Lead By 145 Runs vs Australia

Rishabh Pant smashed a whirlwind 32-ball 61 as India reached 141 for six at stumps after dismissing Australia for 181 on the second day of the final Test.

Pant hit the second-fastest fifty for India in Test cricket, reaching the landmark off just 29 balls as the visitors opted for an attacking strategy in their second innings.

Ravindra Jadeja (8) and Washington Sundar (6) were at the crease with India leading by 145 runs.

Earlier, India dominated the post-lunch session with Mohammed Siraj (3/51), Prasidh Krishna (3/42), and Nitish Reddy (2/32) stepping up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah (2/33), who had left the field for scans due to an unspecified injury, to dismiss Australia for 181.

For Australia, Beau Webster (57) scored a half-century on debut, adding a quick 57 with Steve Smith (33) but once he was dismissed, India swiftly dismantled the tail.