Perth: The opening day of the first Test between India and Australia delivered high drama as both sides struggled to gain the upper hand. India, dismissed for a modest 150 in their first innings, stormed back into the contest with a sensational bowling display, reducing Australia to 67-7 by stumps.
Jasprit Bumrah was the star of the day, dismantling Australia’s top order with figures of 4-17, leaving the hosts in disarray on a pitch offering bounce and movement.
India’s Batting Struggles Continue
After opting to bat first, India’s fragile lineup, missing regular skipper Rohit Sharma and key players Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin, crumbled against Australia’s pace attack. Josh Hazlewood led the charge with an impressive 4-29, supported by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
India’s innings had few bright moments, with debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) showing grit and Rishabh Pant (37) adding a dash of flamboyance. However, the rest of the batting faltered. Former captain Virat Kohli’s struggles continued, as he fell for just 5 off 12 balls, edging Hazlewood to the slips. Kohli, once dominant in Australia, has managed only two Test centuries in the last five years, fueling debates about his place in the side.
Australia’s Batting Woes
If India’s batting was disappointing, Australia’s response was disastrous. Nathan McSweeney, replacing retired opener David Warner, was trapped lbw for 10 by Bumrah, setting the tone for a fiery evening session.
Marnus Labuschagne survived a dropped catch by Kohli early on but was unable to capitalize, crawling to 2 off 52 balls before falling lbw to Mohammed Siraj. Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja also fell cheaply, leaving the hosts reeling at 25-4.
Bumrah returned to remove Pat Cummins (3), while Harshit Rana, making his Test debut, claimed his maiden wicket by clean-bowling Travis Head for 11. Australia’s only resistance came from Alex Carey, unbeaten on 19, and Mitchell Starc on 6 not out at the close.
Team Selection Raises Eyebrows
India’s decision to drop seasoned players Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sarfaraz Khan raised questions, especially after their recent 3-0 series loss to New Zealand. The absence of senior opener Rohit Sharma and number three Shubman Gill further weakened the batting order, with replacements Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal failing to impress.
Jaiswal departed without scoring, edging a drive to gully in the third over, while Padikkal faced 23 deliveries without scoring before being caught behind off Hazlewood.
Bumrah’s Brilliance Saves India
India’s bowling attack, led by Bumrah, turned the game around in spectacular fashion. Bumrah’s devastating spell, including the key wickets of McSweeney, Khawaja, and Cummins, was ably supported by Siraj and Rana.
With Australia trailing by 83 runs and only three wickets remaining, the match is intriguingly poised, setting up a riveting Day 2 in Perth.
