Perth [Australia], November 25 – Australian captain Pat Cummins described the massive 295-run defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against India as “fairly disappointing,” admitting that many things didn’t go as planned for his side. Despite their strong Test record in Perth, Australia struggled against India’s potent bowling and commanding batting performances, leading to their biggest loss against India at home.
Australia’s Struggles in Perth
Reflecting on the match, Cummins acknowledged that while the team’s preparations seemed solid, the game spiraled out of control after the initial two sessions on Day 1.
“Fairly disappointing. We thought our prep leading into it was good. Everyone was firing. It’s just one of those games… not much went right. It is what it is,” Cummins said at the post-match presentation. He emphasized the importance of regrouping quickly for the second Test in Adelaide. “After a loss, you want to get back on the horse pretty quickly. But we’ll take a couple of days rest and get into Adelaide.”
Missed Opportunities
Australia appeared to gain control after bowling India out for 150 in the first innings, with Josh Hazlewood (4/29) leading the charge. However, they failed to capitalize, collapsing to 67/7 by the end of Day 1. India’s pace attack, featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and debutant Harshit Rana, dismantled Australia’s batting lineup, dismissing them for just 104.
Cummins lamented the team’s inability to weather the storm on Day 1:
“We didn’t give ourselves a chance – a few different facets. Late on Day 1, if we had got through that period, things would’ve been different on Day 2,” he said. He added that the team will discuss strategies and spend time in the nets to address their shortcomings. “There will be plenty of conversations and plenty of time in the nets. Conversations around what we could’ve done differently.”
India’s Dominant Second Innings
With a 46-run lead, India’s batters took control of the game in their second innings.
- KL Rahul: Scored a composed 77 to set the tone.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Played a stellar knock of 161, turning the pitch into a batting paradise.
- Virat Kohli: Ended his 16-innings Test century drought with an unbeaten 100.
India declared at 487/6, setting Australia an improbable target of 534 runs.
Australia’s Fading Response
Australia’s chase faltered as their batters struggled to deal with India’s relentless pace attack.
- Travis Head offered resistance with a gritty 89, while Mitchell Marsh contributed 47.
- The rest of the batting lineup failed to rise to the occasion, leaving Australia all out for 227, resulting in the crushing loss.
Looking Ahead
Cummins remained optimistic about Australia’s chances in the series, emphasizing the need to learn from their mistakes and bounce back in Adelaide. With their backs against the wall, the team will aim to regroup and reclaim momentum in the second Test.