Perth [Australia], November 25 – India registered a commanding 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Monday, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the hero, claiming eight wickets in the match, including a crucial five-wicket haul in the first innings.
Day 4: Dominant Bowling Performance
Australia resumed their innings on 227/8 after Tea, needing an improbable 534 runs to win. India wasted no time in wrapping up the match. Washington Sundar dismissed Nathan Lyon for a duck, while debutant Harshit Rana claimed the final wicket, clean bowling Alex Carey (36), sealing India’s historic win.
India’s bowlers delivered an exceptional performance:
- Jasprit Bumrah: 3/48 in the second innings.
- Mohammed Siraj: 3/51, including the vital dismissal of Usman Khawaja early on Day 4.
- Washington Sundar: 2/28, including the wicket of Mitchell Starc.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana: 1 wicket each.
India’s Batting Heroics
India’s dominance was built on a mammoth second-innings total of 487/6 declared, driven by:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: A sensational 161 off 297 balls, with 15 fours and 3 sixes.
- KL Rahul: A steady 77 off 176 balls.
- Virat Kohli: An unbeaten 100 off 143 balls, his 30th Test century.
- Contributions from Nitish Kumar Reddy (38 off 27)* and Washington Sundar (29 off 94).
India’s first innings saw notable efforts from Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37), though the team was bundled out for 150. Australia’s bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood (4/29), put India under pressure early.
Australia’s Struggles
Australia was bowled out for 104 in their first innings, with Mitchell Starc (26) and Alex Carey (21) adding some resistance. Bumrah’s fiery 5/30 and Rana’s 3/48 ensured India gained a 46-run lead.
Chasing an improbable 534, Australia’s batters faltered under relentless Indian pressure. Highlights of their second innings included:
- Travis Head’s gritty 89 off 101 balls, featuring eight boundaries.
- Steven Smith (17) and Head’s 62-run stand, which briefly steadied the innings.
However, India’s bowlers consistently broke partnerships, leaving Australia at 227/8 by Tea on Day 4, before wrapping up the match shortly after.
Key Records from the Match
- Jasprit Bumrah: With 8 wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul, Bumrah led India’s charge.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Recorded his maiden overseas Test century (161).
- Virat Kohli: Scored his 30th Test century and 81st international ton, continuing to close in on Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries.
Looking Ahead
India’s victory sets the tone for the series as they prepare for the second Test. With the bowlers in top form and batters delivering under pressure, the visitors look poised to dominate the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
