The opening day of the Perth Test between India and Australia witnessed intense drama, with Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell stealing the spotlight after India’s batting lineup folded for a modest 150. The Indian pacer’s devastating 4-wicket haul left Australia reeling at 67/7, giving India an 83-run lead at stumps.
India’s Top Order Collapses to Australian Seam Movement
India’s top-order faltered against the generous seam movement offered by the Perth surface. Josh Hazlewood led Australia’s charge, claiming 4-29. Mitchell Starc provided early breakthroughs, dismissing debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck and removing Devdutt Padikkal, who struggled to adapt.
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul also succumbed during the morning session. Kohli’s dismissal to extra bounce from Hazlewood and Rahul’s controversial caught-behind decision compounded India’s woes.
Pant and Reddy Counterattack Briefly
Amidst the chaos, debutant Nitish Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (38) put up a spirited 48-run partnership, offering India some respite. Their attacking approach briefly unsettled Australia, but Pat Cummins broke the stand, dismissing Pant with a clever change of angle. Nitish’s brave knock came to an end in the pursuit of quick runs, and India folded for 150.
Bumrah’s Spell of Destruction
Jasprit Bumrah unleashed a blistering spell with the new ball, rocking Australia’s top order. His opening burst of 6-2-9-3 set the tone as he trapped debutant Nathan McSweeney leg-before and sent Steve Smith packing with a searing in-dipper for a golden duck. Bumrah’s brilliance continued with Usman Khawaja’s dismissal, as a perfectly angled delivery took an edge to Virat Kohli at second slip.
Debutant Harshit Rana joined the party, removing Travis Head with a peach of a delivery to claim his maiden Test wicket. Mohammed Siraj complemented Bumrah’s efforts by dismissing Mitchell Marsh and a struggling Marnus Labuschagne, who battled for 52 balls for just 2 runs.
Bumrah returned late in the day to dismiss Australian skipper Pat Cummins, capping off a stunning performance with figures of 4-17.
India in Command Despite Modest Total
While India’s batting left much to be desired, their bowlers staged a remarkable comeback. Australia’s scorecard at stumps, reading 67/7, reflects Bumrah’s dominance and India’s resilience.
India now holds an 83-run lead heading into Day 2, with the opportunity to push for a substantial advantage. With the surface assisting seamers and Bumrah in sublime form, the Perth Test is poised for further riveting action.
Brief Scores
India: 150 (Nitish Reddy 41, Rishabh Pant 38; Josh Hazlewood 4-29, Pat Cummins 2-67)
Australia: 67/7 (Jasprit Bumrah 4-17, Mohammed Siraj 2-17)
India’s fightback on Day 1 has set the stage for an enthralling contest. Will the bowlers carry India to a first-innings lead, or can Australia stage a recovery? Stay tuned for Day 2 action!
