BGT : Australia Scripts Lowest Score At Their Own Fortress In Perth

November 23, 2024: Australia’s batting line-up was torn apart by India’s formidable pace attack on Day 2 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener at Optus Stadium, Perth, as the hosts were bundled out for just 104 — their lowest first-innings total against India in Test cricket. The performance from India’s pacers, led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, was nothing short of sensational as they left Australia tottering on the brink of an even deeper collapse.

Australia’s batting line-up was torn apart by India’s formidable pace attack on Day 2 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener at Optus Stadium, Perth, as the hosts were bundled out for just 104 — their lowest first-innings total against India in Test cricket. The performance from India’s pacers, led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, was nothing short of sensational as they left Australia tottering on the brink of an even deeper collapse.

The day began with Australia at 67/7, having already suffered a dramatic collapse on Day 1, and despite a brief fightback from Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who added 25 runs for the eighth wicket, Australia’s innings was concluded at 104. This total not only marked Australia’s lowest first-innings total against India, but it was also the fourth-lowest overall for Australia in Test cricket. The previous lowest first-innings total against India was 107 in Sydney in 1947.

To put this in perspective, since 2000, Australia’s 104 was the third-lowest score on home turf, with their worst outing of 85 still standing against South Africa in Hobart in 2016. The collapse was a stark reminder of how dominant India’s pacers have become in foreign conditions, even on a pitch that historically supports fast bowlers.

The day truly belonged to India’s pace trio — Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and debutant Harshit Rana — who all delivered devastating spells. Bumrah, in particular, was the standout performer. The stand-in captain’s pace and accuracy kept Australia’s batsmen under constant pressure, and he removed in-form wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey (21) in the opening hour of Day 2.

Bumrah used the bounce available in the Perth pitch to perfection, forcing Carey to edge a delivery to Rishabh Pant behind the stumps, securing his 11th Test five-wicket haul. Remarkably, this was Bumrah’s seventh five-wicket haul in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries, tying him with the legendary Kapil Dev for the most five-fers by an Indian bowler in these foreign conditions.

In a display of complete dominance, Bumrah bowled 18 overs, taking 5/30 at an astonishingly economical rate of 1.67 runs per over. His performance took his tally to 118 wickets in 27 Tests across SENA countries, with an average of 22.55 and best figures of 6/33. Bumrah’s scalps in this innings included some of Australia’s most dependable batters, including Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Alex Carey, and Pat Cummins.

Australia had entered the Test with high expectations, having restricted India to a modest 150 in their first innings. However, their batting line-up crumbled under the pressure exerted by India’s pacers. Australia’s struggles began right from the top, with openers Khawaja and Head falling early, and the collapse continued as Australia’s middle order was unable to resist the relentless Indian attack.

It was left to the tailenders to provide some resistance, and Starc and Hazlewood did manage to frustrate India briefly. But in the end, the inevitable happened, with Starc eventually being dismissed for a defiant 26 off 112 balls — the highest score in Australia’s innings. His partnership with Hazlewood, which took Australia to the 100-run mark, was the longest and most productive stand of the innings.

India’s dominant bowling performance handed them a vital 46-run first-innings lead, and their pacers were in no mood to relent. Bumrah, Siraj, and Rana breathed down Australia’s neck, and the Australian batsmen looked out of ideas as the wickets continued to tumble.

While India would be eager to capitalize on their substantial lead in the second innings, the performance of their pacers has already ensured that they are in a commanding position in this Test. This victory in the first innings was not just about the runs on the board, but about the statement made by India’s fast bowlers in conditions that have historically favored Australia.

Bumrah’s Leadership and Record-Breaking Feats:

As the stand-in captain, Bumrah’s leadership in the absence of Rohit Sharma has been nothing short of outstanding. The fast bowler’s remarkable ability to lead from the front, especially in foreign conditions, has been a hallmark of his career. His five-wicket haul in the first innings marked his seventh in SENA countries, a feat that ties him with the legendary Kapil Dev for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler in these territories. It further solidifies Bumrah’s legacy as one of the finest fast bowlers in modern cricket.

With a 46-run lead and Australia’s batting line-up exposed, India will now look to extend their advantage in the second innings. Bumrah and his pacers will be key in keeping the pressure on Australia, while India’s batsmen will aim to build on the momentum created by the bowlers.

Australia, on the other hand, faces an uphill task to recover from this historic collapse. With their top order under scrutiny, the hosts will need to regroup quickly if they are to mount a comeback in the series. India, meanwhile, will be confident in their ability to close out this Test, having shown that they can dominate both with the ball and in the field.

This riveting battle between two of Test cricket’s heavyweights has only just begun, and the outcome of this match could set the tone for the rest of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.