[Watch] Akash Deep strikes in his first over to remove Nathan McSweeney on Day 5 of BGT 2024-25 3rd Test

Indian pacer Akash Deep made an early impact, dismissing Australia's opener Nathan McSweeney in his first over to claim India's third wicket on Day 5 (Wednesday, December 18) of the third match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The game is being played at The Gabba in Brisbane.

The dismissal came on the third ball of the eighth over of Australia's second innings. Akash Deep delivered a length ball wide outside off, offering some width. McSweeney attempted to cut it, but only managed a faint edge, which was safely caught by the keeper.

Here’s a video of the dismissal:

The right-handed batter scored four runs off 25 balls. His wicket left Australia reeling at 16/3 after 7.3 overs.

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Australia lose half their side in 11 overs in their second innings

Australia posted 445 runs in their first innings, courtesy of centuries from Steven Smith (101) and Travis Head (152). India struggled, with only KL Rahul (84) and Ravindra Jadeja (77) providing significant contributions. The visitors were 213-9, still needing 33 runs to avoid the follow-on, with just one wicket remaining.

Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah then took control, completing the job for India as the visitors ended Day 4 at 252-9 after 74.5 overs. On the morning of Day 5, Akash Deep (31) was the last to depart as India were bundled out for 260.

Australia's second innings got off to a rocky start, with Jasprit Bumrah striking twice to remove Usman Khawaja (8) and Marnus Labuschagne (1). Akash Deep followed up by dismissing Nathan McSweeney (4) and then Mitchell Marsh (2) for his second wicket. Steven Smith (4) was next to go, dismissed by Mohammed Siraj, as Australia lost half their side for just 33 runs in 11 overs.

At the time of writing, Australia were 44-5 after 13 overs, with Travis Head (13) and Alex Carey (7) at the crease.

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