The Sydney Cricket Ground hosted the start of the third Test between India and Australia on January 7. Australia wrapped up the first day at 166/2 after 55 overs. At the close of play, Marnus Labuschagne was still at the crease with 67 runs, while Steve Smith contributed 31. Will Pucovski put up a fight, hitting four fours and reaching 62 runs off 110 deliveries before Saini managed to get him out LBW.
The third match of the four-Test series between India and Australia began at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 7. Australia scored 166 for 2 in 55 overs at the end of the first day. Marnus Labuschagne was unbeaten on 67 and Steve Smith on 31 runs at the end of the game. Will Pucovski was out for 62 off 110 balls by LBW in Saini’s over. In total, he hit 4 boundaries during his innings.
A unique highlight of the match was the simultaneous debut of Navdeep Saini and Will Pucovski. It's a remarkable coincidence that hasn't occurred in Test cricket for 20 years—where a debuting bowler takes the wicket of a debuting batsman. This mirrors a match from 2000/01 in Dhaka, where Zaheer Khan dismissed Mehrab Hussain in a game that served as the first Test for both players.
After winning the toss, Australian captain Tim Paine chose to bat first. However, the weather played a major role, as rain forced a four-hour hiatus, leaving only 57 overs to be bowled on Day 1. Despite the interruptions and a later pause due to a wet outfield, the Australian batsmen stayed determined, capitalizing on poor balls and maintaining a disciplined approach. On the other side, the Indian fielding was somewhat lacking, with several dropped catches costing them opportunities.