The 1st Test between India and Australia in Perth has exposed cracks—not in the pitch, but in Australia’s usually meticulous plans. After two frustrating days, the Australians are struggling to find answers against an Indian side led by the composed Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, who have dominated with a record-breaking unbroken opening partnership of 172.
Australia’s Struggles Begin Early
Mitchell Starc’s frustration was evident as a rare edge off Jaiswal’s bat was dropped by Usman Khawaja at first slip. This miss epitomized the day for Australia, who looked rattled and out of sync despite initial success on a pitch that had earlier seen 20 wickets fall in just four sessions. By the end of Day 2, India had taken a commanding 218-run lead, leaving the Aussies visibly frazzled.
Starc Shines Amidst Disarray
Starc has been one of the few bright spots for Australia. With both bat and ball, he has shown resilience, surviving nearly as many deliveries as the top six combined during Australia’s disappointing first innings. However, his efforts have been overshadowed by a lackluster performance from others, including captain Pat Cummins, whose underwhelming form and questionable decisions have drawn attention.
Cummins Under Pressure
Cummins, who came into the series deliberately undercooked, has struggled with precision. His inconsistent lengths and expensive spells have been a stark contrast to Jasprit Bumrah’s flawless bowling that dismantled the Australian batting line-up. Fielding lapses, including two dropped chances by Khawaja and a missed run-out by Steven Smith, have added to Australia’s woes.
India’s Batting Resilience
The Indian opening duo, Jaiswal and Rahul, deserve immense credit for their performance. With disciplined shot selection and excellent decision-making, they ground down the Australian attack. Jaiswal, in particular, showcased his skill and maturity, frustrating Australia’s bowlers and building a platform for India’s dominance.
Shifting Conditions
The pitch, which offered seam and swing early on, settled under the Perth sun, with several extra rolls aiding India’s batting. Despite this, coach Andrew McDonald maintained that the bowlers executed their plans well. However, the lack of swing and seam movement highlighted Australia’s inability to adapt to changing conditions.
A Long Road Ahead
Australia faces an uphill battle to avoid turning frustration into despair. With three days left in the Test, they will need to regroup quickly and rely on their experience to claw their way back into the game. Meanwhile, India’s confidence continues to grow, with their bowlers and batters clicking in tandem.
The Bigger Picture
This match marks a rare moment of vulnerability for Australia, a team known for its composure and planning. The series is far from over, but the cracks in their performance so far serve as a wake-up call. Whether they can respond and mount a comeback will define their resilience as a unit.
Stay tuned as this gripping series unfolds, with India firmly in control and Australia left searching for answers.
