Pace Dominates in Perth: India Reigns Despite Scoring Just 150
Australia failed to capitalize on their strong start despite showcasing dominance with the ball. Even after dismissing India for a modest total of 150, they found themselves struggling. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj’s fiery spells left Australia reeling at 67 for 7 in just 27 overs.
On Friday, November 22, India and Australia faced off in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. Winning the toss, India opted to bat first but couldn’t build a substantial innings, folding for 150 in 48.4 overs.
In reply, Australia ended the first day trailing by 83 runs, with only three wickets in hand. The pacers from both sides dominated, accounting for a staggering 17 wickets in a single day.
With Rohit Sharma absent, Jasprit Bumrah is leading the Indian team and has taken charge with the ball as well. His impressive performance saw him claim 4 wickets for just 17 runs, ensuring India stayed in the contest.
Bumrah delivered India their first breakthrough by dismissing debutant Nathan McSweeney (10). He followed it up with a crucial double strike in the 7th over, removing Usman Khawaja (8) and Steven Smith (0).
Later, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne tried to steady the innings, adding 12 runs together. Head was dismissed for 11 by Ritish Rana, while Mohammed Siraj picked up his first wicket by sending Mitchell Marsh back for 6. At 38 for 5, Australia was in deep trouble.
Despite his resilience, Labuschagne couldn’t hold on, departing after facing 52 balls for just 2 runs. By the end of the day, Alex Carey remained unbeaten on 19 off 28 balls, with Mitchell Starc accompanying him on 6 runs from 14 deliveries.
Earlier, India’s innings barely crossed the 150-mark, thanks to Rishabh Pant (37) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (41). KL Rahul added 26 runs, while Virat Kohli managed just 5.
For Australia, Josh Hazlewood starred with the ball, taking 4 wickets, while Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Marsh grabbed 2 wickets each.
