India’s pace attack stole the show on Day 1 of the Perth Test. They left Australia reeling at 67/7 after an action-packed day in the BGT. A total of 17 wickets fell on a lively surface, with all dismissals going to the seamers. The visitors now hold a commanding position in the highly anticipated series opener.
India’s Bold Batting Gamble Backfires Early
Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah made a bold call to bat first on a green Perth wicket with pace and bounce. However, Australia’s fast-bowling trio crushed the Indian top-order. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins did it.
Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal both failed to score. Padikkal had a nervous 23-ball stay at the crease. KL Rahul attempted to stabilize the innings but fell before lunch. Virat Kohli looked promising. His footwork was confident. But, Josh Hazlewood’s sharp delivery got him.
At lunch, India were 42/4, with Hazlewood’s precise lines yielding two crucial wickets. In the second session, Mitchell Marsh struck on his home ground. It reduced the visitors to a precarious 73/6.
Lower-Order Resistance Pushes India to 150
India’s total would have been dismal without the gritty efforts of Rishabh Pant and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy. Pant contributed a lively 37, while Reddy top-scored with a crucial 41. The young batter, despite the two times the team dropped him, stayed calm under pressure in his debut innings.
Their 52-run partnership took India to 150. Then, Hazlewood returned to dismiss the tail. Hazlewood shone with 4/42. Starc, Cummins, and Marsh took 2 each. Surprisingly, Nathan Lyon has a great record at Perth. But, he went wicketless on a pitch that favored the pacers.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Fiery Spell Shatters Australia
Australia’s reply began badly. Jasprit Bumrah bowled an amazing spell of fast bowling. Bumrah dismissed debutant Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, and Steven Smith. The hosts were reeling at 29/4. He narrowly missed removing Marnus Labuschagne, who Virat Kohli dropped in the slips.
Debutant Harshit Rana impressed with a spell that removed the dangerous Travis Head for just 12. Mohammed Siraj returned in his second spell to take two key wickets. He dismissed Labuschagne (4) and Marsh (5).
Bumrah, relentless all day, took his fourth wicket. He dismissed Australia’s skipper, Pat Cummins. He ended with 4/17. By stumps, Australia were 67/7, still trailing by 83 runs, with Alex Carey (19*) and Mitchell Starc (8*) holding the fort.
Statistical Highlights from Day 1
- India’s Total: 150 all out (Pant 37, Reddy 41)
- Top Bowler for Australia: Josh Hazlewood (4/42)
- Australia’s Total at Stumps: 67/7 (Bumrah 4/17, Siraj 2/17)
What’s Next? India Firmly in Control
Australia was seven down, still 83 runs behind. On this tough pitch, any lead could be match-defining. The Perth wicket is a pacer’s paradise. The second day promises high-stakes action as India try to strengthen their grip on the match.
India’s great start has set the tone for a thrilling Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Stay tuned as Day 2 unfolds!