Watch| 'This is bulls**': Shubman Gill throws wicket after losing 'sledge battle' against Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne on Day 1 of Sydney Test

The opening day of the fifth Test between Australia and India witnessed a 'sledge battle' between former Australia captain Steve Smith and India star opener Shubman Gill. Gill's attempt to sledge Smith backfired spectacularly, leading to his dismissal.

India, having won the toss, elected to bat first at the Sydney Cricket Ground. They made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Shubman Gill for Rohit Sharma and Prasidh Krishna for the injured Akash Deep. Australia, meanwhile, included debutant Beau Webster in place of Mitchell Marsh.

The opening session belonged to Australia, as they quickly reduced India to 17/2. Both KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal fell cheaply against the Australian pace attack in the overcast conditions. However, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli steadied the ship and began rebuilding the innings. Despite this, the Indian duo faced immense pressure from the relentless Australian bowlers.

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Just before lunch, Nathan Lyon was introduced into the attack. Gill, determined to survive until the lunch break, changed his approach in the final over. He attempted to step down the wicket but edged the delivery to Steve Smith at first slip. Smith celebrated animatedly and exchanged words with Gill.

Replays revealed a verbal exchange between Smith and Gill just before the latter's dismissal. Gill took extra time by tending to the pitch, prompting Smith to say, "Oi, let's play." Gill quickly responded but he was dismissed on the next ball. Later Marnus Labuschagne was seen joining the party with a bit of words.

Here's the stump-mic conversation between Shubman Gill and Steve Smith: 

Marnus Labuschagne: “Easy, got it in easy!” He needs to call for the ‘sprain’
Steve Smith: “This is bull****! Oi, let’s play!”
Shubman Gill: “You take your time Smithy, no one says anything to you!”
Smith: “Just play mate. Let’s play.”
Labuschagne: “Take your time son.”

Gill returned to the pavilion after scoring just 20 off 64. After Gill's dismissal India lost their momentum as soon after Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja too returned to the pavilion which left them reeling at 134/7.  

Meanwhile, later Smith accounted the incident with Gill while speaking with Fox Cricket's Isa Guha during the lunch break and stated that the India batter's attempt to take his time might have actually benefited Australia.