In a display of dominance, India crushed Australia by a massive 295-run margin in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Monday. This victory not only sets the tone for the rest of the series but also marks one of India’s most significant wins outside of Asia, showcasing their prowess on Australian soil and reaffirming their status as a top Test side.
A Record-Breaking Win
India’s 295-run win in Perth is their second-largest victory margin over Australia by runs, only trailing the 320-run victory in Mohali back in 2008. Outside Asia, this win ranks among their most significant, following the 318-run triumph over the West Indies in North Sound in 2019. Other notable wins outside Asia include a 279-run victory over England at Headingley in 1986 and a 272-run win against New Zealand in Auckland in 1968.
Australia’s loss in this match is also noteworthy as it marks a rare defeat for them in the opening Test of a home series during the 21st century. Previous instances include losses to South Africa at the WACA in 2008 and 2016, and to India in Adelaide in 2018. With this win, India has taken a crucial 1-0 lead in the five-match series, setting a confident and assertive tone for the battles ahead.
Bumrah’s Bowling Brilliance
Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer for India, showcasing his talent and leadership skills throughout the match. Bumrah claimed eight wickets across both innings, including a pivotal five-wicket haul in the first innings that dismantled the Australian batting lineup. His fiery pace and precision left Australia reeling, as they were bundled out for just 104 runs in response to India’s modest first-innings total of 150.
Bumrah’s performance was not only a testament to his skills as a bowler but also highlighted his growing stature as a leader. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Bumrah praised his teammates and highlighted the collective effort that led to this emphatic victory. He also lauded Virat Kohli for his vital century, emphasizing the importance of having experienced players step up in challenging conditions. “Virat Kohli does not need us, we need him. He is an experienced player, and this is his fourth or fifth tour here. He knows his cricket better than anyone else,” Bumrah said.
Jaiswal and Kohli Lead the Charge with the Bat
India’s second innings was characterized by a commanding batting display, led by young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and veteran batter Virat Kohli. After being dismissed for a duck in the first innings, Jaiswal made a remarkable comeback, scoring a magnificent 161 off 297 balls. His innings included 15 boundaries and three sixes, and his resilience at the crease was instrumental in building India’s massive lead. Bumrah later described Jaiswal’s knock as one of the best he has seen, particularly praising the young batter’s ability to adapt his natural game to the situation at hand.
KL Rahul also played a crucial role at the top of the order, contributing 77 runs off 176 balls and putting up a 201-run partnership with Jaiswal. Rahul’s composed and patient approach provided the perfect platform for the middle order to capitalize on. Following Rahul’s dismissal, Devdutt Padikkal chipped in with a handy 25, adding a 74-run partnership with Jaiswal.
Virat Kohli, who has faced criticism for his recent dip in form, silenced his critics with an unbeaten 100. Kohli’s century, his first in over 500 days, was a masterclass in patience and shot selection. His innings featured eight boundaries and two sixes, and he built valuable partnerships with Washington Sundar (29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (38*). Kohli’s return to form is a significant boost for India as they look to build on their early lead in the series.
Australia’s Struggles with the Bat
Australia’s batting lineup struggled to cope with the relentless pressure applied by India’s bowlers. After restricting India to 150 in the first innings, Australia had a golden opportunity to take control of the match. However, they faltered, managing only 104 runs in their first innings. Bumrah led the charge with figures of 5/30, while debutant Harshit Rana impressed with 3/48. The hosts found themselves in deep trouble at 79/9 before a late partnership between Mitchell Starc (26) and Alex Carey (21) provided some resistance.
In their second innings, Australia faced an uphill battle, needing 534 runs to win. The Indian bowlers continued to dominate, with Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj taking early wickets to leave Australia struggling at 12/3 by the end of Day 3. On Day 4, Mohammed Siraj dismissed Usman Khawaja early, reducing Australia to 17/4. Travis Head provided some resistance with a fighting 63, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Steven Smith and Travis Head attempted to steady the ship with a 62-run partnership, but Siraj struck again to dismiss Smith for 17. Head continued to fight valiantly, scoring 89 off 101 balls, but his dismissal by Bumrah effectively ended Australia’s hopes of a miraculous comeback. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 238, handing India a comprehensive 295-run victory.
Post-Match Reactions
Following the match, Jasprit Bumrah was full of praise for his young teammates, particularly Yashasvi Jaiswal and the debutants Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana. Bumrah highlighted the fearless attitude of the young players, noting that they were eager to take on responsibility and contribute to the team’s success.
“It did not feel like it was their first time playing in Australia or their first match. They themselves wanted responsibility, and that is a very positive sign for our team,”
Bumrah said.
Australian captain Pat Cummins, on the other hand, expressed his disappointment with the result, acknowledging that his team had failed to capitalize on key moments.
“Fairly disappointing. We thought our prep leading into it was good. Everyone was firing. It’s just one of those games where not much went right,”
Cummins said.
He added that the team would regroup and look to bounce back in the second Test, a day-night affair in Adelaide.
Looking Ahead: Adelaide Awaits
With India leading 1-0 in the five-match series, attention now shifts to Adelaide, where the second Test will be played under lights with the pink ball. The day-night format presents a new set of challenges, and both teams will be eager to adapt quickly. Bumrah emphasized the importance of building on the confidence gained from the Perth victory but also acknowledged that each game presents a fresh challenge. “You can take the confidence from here, but you have to start from zero. You have to build on that confidence and put your best foot forward,” he said.
India’s comprehensive victory in Perth has set the stage for an exciting series. With key players like Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal finding form and the bowling unit firing on all cylinders, India will be hopeful of continuing their dominance in Adelaide. For Australia, the challenge will be to regroup and find a way to counter India’s well-rounded attack and resilient batting lineup. The upcoming day-night Test promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for supremacy in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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