Australia's Steve Smith, left, reacts after he was dismissed by India's Prasidh Krishna, centre, during play on the third day of the fifth cricket test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Photo: AP/Mark Baker Australia's Steve Smith, left, reacts after he was dismissed by India's Prasidh Krishna, centre, during play on the third day of the fifth cricket test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Photo: AP/Mark Baker

Prasidh Krishna impressed in Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah’s absence but Australia remained on course to chase 162 by reaching 71 for 3 at lunch on day three of the fifth and final Test. (Day 3 Blog | Full Coverage | More Cricket News)

After a barren first quarter, Belgium took the lead in the 22nd minute through a field goal by skipper Felix Denayer.

Both Belgium goals came from field efforts through Alexia 'T Serstevens in the 34th minute and Dewaet Louise two minutes later on Thursday night.

Prasidh (3/27 in 6 overs) removed Sam Konstas (22), Marnus Labuschagne (6) and Steve Smith (4) in quick succession but Bumrah’s absence due to back spasms could cost India dearly as they are without a third specialist pacer.

Earlier, the magnificent Scott Boland (6/45) and the ever reliable Pat Cummins (3/44) polished off the Indian tail for just 157 in 39.5 overs. If one takes out Rishabh Pant’s 61 and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 22, the other nine players collectively contributed 74 runs.

Australia now need 91 runs to regain the Border Gavaskar Trophy and also book a berth in the World Test Championship final against South Africa from June 11-15 at the Lord’s.

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The Indian bowlers did get three wickets but bowled too many loose balls in defence of a small target with Mohammed Siraj consistently bowling on the pads to provide easy runs.

Konstas understood that slogging was his calling card to survive and he tried doing it with some success before one slog too many cost his wicket.

After that Prasidh found his length and channel as he squared up Labuschagne, who gave Jaiswal an easy catch at gully while Smith, just one short of 10,000 Test runs, got a nasty snorter from the Karnataka man which he could only awkwardly fend towards gully where Jaiswal dived in front to take a fine catch.

Usman Khawaja (19 off 25 balls), playing to save his Test careerroyal circle club, was there along with Travis Head (5) at the break.