India’s defence of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy began badly at the Optus Stadium in Perth. A top-order collapse left the visitors reeling on the opening morning. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal both fell for ducks. They faced tough conditions against Australia’s fiery pace attack. With Virat Kohli and KL Rahul following suit, India found themselves struggling at 51/4 at lunch on Day 1.
Jaiswal and Padikkal Dismissed for Ducks
Jasprit Bumrah, captaining in place of Rohit Sharma, chose to bat first after winning the toss. However, India’s top-order failed to back the decision. Australian pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood wreaked havoc on a lively Perth pitch.
Yashasvi Jaiswal faced just eight balls before falling to Starc. He was caught at gully trying a risky, expansive drive too early in the innings. Devdutt Padikkal, a last-minute replacement for the injured Shubman Gill, faced 23 balls. He edged one to wicketkeeper Alex Carey off Hazlewood.
Jaiswal and Padikkal’s dismissals left India in trouble at 2/2. Both batters scored zero runs.
Australia’s Bowlers Dominate the Morning
Australia’s seam trio—Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins—consistently challenged India’s batters with their precise lines and lengths. The bowlers used Perth’s bouncy pitch to their advantage. Their erratic movement and bounce made it nearly impossible for the Indian top order to score.
In the first 16 overs, India hit just one boundary. This showed how hard it was to score or rotate the strike. Starc and Hazlewood, in particular, used the conditions to perfection. They took three wickets in the first session.
Jaiswal’s Overseas Struggles Continue
Yashasvi Jaiswal has faced criticism for not adapting to tough overseas conditions in Test cricket. His aggressive approach as an opener has worked in the subcontinent. But, it seemed out of place on a bowler-friendly pitch.
The left-hander’s choice to play a booming drive so early in his innings drew sharp criticism. Fans and pundits were not pleased. India needs stability at the top. Jaiswal’s dismissal has raised questions about his technique and temperament.
Padikkal’s Struggle Adds to India’s Woes
Devdutt Padikkal, batting at number three, had an even worse outing. Drafted into the side at the last minute to replace the injured Shubman Gill, Padikkal looked tentative and out of rhythm. His failure to rotate the strike in 23 balls increased pressure on his partners and let Australia’s bowlers dominate.
Padikkal’s dismissal—edging Hazlewood to Carey—cost him a chance to impact a crucial match. For a batter looking to establish himself in the Test format, this innings will not help his case.
India’s Collapse Deepens as Kohli and Rahul Fall
As if losing Jaiswal and Padikkal for ducks wasn’t enough, India’s middle order also faltered under Australia’s relentless bowling.
Virat Kohli, tasked with stabilizing the innings, scored only five runs. Hazlewood dismissed him with a sharp, rising delivery from a good length. Kohli’s early departure left India teetering at 17/3.
KL Rahul, who seemed to be the only batter settling into the conditions, added some resistance. However, his dismissal in controversial circumstances before lunch sent India further into trouble. At the break, the visitors were reeling at 51/4, with Australia firmly in control.
Social Media Reacts to Jaiswal and Padikkal’s Ducks
Indian cricket fans were quick to voice their disappointment on social media after Jaiswal and Padikkal got out. Memes flooded Twitter, criticizing the top order’s failure to adapt to tough conditions.
Some reactions included:
- “Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal shows he isn’t ready for overseas Test cricket yet.”
- “Two ducks in the first 15 minutes of play—this is not the start India wanted.”
- “Devdutt Padikkal’s inclusion looks questionable after that innings.”
While criticism of the top order dominated, many fans also credited Australia’s pace attack for exploiting the conditions.
Final Thoughts
Australia now has the edge in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener. India’s top-order collapse on Day 1 of the Perth Test caused it. With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal failing, the middle and lower order must rebuild. They face a fired-up Australian attack.
As the series goes on, Jaiswal and Padikkal must fix their flaws and adapt. This is vital for India to compete in the remaining matches. Australia’s pacers have made their mark. India will need something special to bounce back.
