India Stun Australia with Jasprit Bumrah’s Five-Wicket Masterclass
India’s bowlers, led by skipper Jasprit Bumrah, were sensational. They bowled out Australia for just 104 in the first innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener at Perth’s Optus Stadium. This remarkable feat came after India themselves had been dismissed for a modest 150 on Day 1. Against all odds, Bumrah’s brilliance has given India a crucial first-innings lead of 46 runs, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
Bumrah Strikes Early, Dismantles Australia’s Top Order
The Australian innings, which began late on Day 1, was in trouble almost immediately. Jasprit Bumrah tore through their top order in a fiery opening spell.
- Steve Smith was dismissed for a golden duck, a prized scalp for Bumrah, who reduced Australia to 12/3 within the first seven overs.
- Bumrah’s new-ball accuracy and movement were unplayable. He dismissed Australia’s top three batters in quick succession.
India’s pace trio—Bumrah, Siraj, and debutant Harshit Rana—kept up the pressure as wickets fell at regular intervals. By the close of play on Day 1, Australia was reeling at 67/7, trailing by 83 runs.
Day 2: Bumrah Completes Five-Wicket Haul
The Indian bowlers picked up right where they left off on Day 2. Bumrah struck early in the morning session, completing his 11th five-wicket haul in Tests and his second on Australian soil.
- Australia slumped to 79/9 as Bumrah dismissed Alex Carey with a peach of a delivery. It angled in and then shaped away, catching the edge and carrying to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
- In his debut Test, Harshit Rana cleaned up the tail. He removed Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood after a frustrating 25-run stand for the last wicket.
Australia was finally bowled out for 104 just before the lunch interval, handing India an unexpected first-innings lead of 46 runs.
Statistical Highlights of the Match
Key Bowling Figures:
- Jasprit Bumrah: 5/30 (11th Test five-for)
- Harshit Rana: 3/48 (Dream debut for the youngster)
- Mohammed Siraj: 2/20
Notable Stats:
- Lowest Totals in Tests for Australia vs India:
- 83 – Melbourne (1981)
- 104 – Perth (2024)*
- 105 – Kanpur (1959)
- Lowest Totals in Tests at Perth Stadium:
- 89 – Pakistan vs Australia (2023)
- 104 – Australia vs India (2024)*
- 140 – India vs Australia (2018)
- Most Five-Wicket Hauls in SENA Countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia):
- 7 – Jasprit Bumrah*
- 7 – Kapil Dev
- 6 – B Chandrasekhar
- 6 – Zaheer Khan
How Bumrah’s Heroics Set the Tone
This performance reaffirmed Jasprit Bumrah’s status as one of the best Test bowlers in the world, especially in SENA countries. His ability to lead from the front, as both skipper and bowler, proved vital in India seizing momentum after a poor batting display.
- Bumrah’s versatility with the new ball and old ball kept Australia guessing throughout the innings.
- His dismissal of Steve Smith was a pivotal moment, rattling Australia’s confidence early in the innings.
Debutant Harshit Rana impressed, taking three key wickets, including Travis Head for just 11. This showcased India’s growing fast-bowling talent.
Australia’s Struggles and Historical Context
Australia’s batting collapse at Perth Stadium marked one of their lowest-ever innings totals at home in Tests:
- 104 – vs India, Perth (2024): The second-lowest total at Perth Stadium.
- Australia’s failure to counter India’s pace attack mirrored their struggles against South Africa in Hobart (2016), where they were bowled out for just 85.
Also, Australia’s reliance on a lower-order partnership showed their top-order vulnerability. It was between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
India’s Path Forward
After lunch, India will resume batting with a 46-run lead. This lets visitors build a big second-innings total. They can then pressure the hosts in the fourth innings.
Areas of Focus for India:
- The top-order batters, including KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, must improve. They failed to deliver in the first innings.
- India’s middle order, led by Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, must build a lead and set a tough target for Australia.
