India roared into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a commanding 295-run victory over Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium. The four-day match marked a significant moment in Indian cricket. This was their first win at this venue and their first victory in Perth since 2008. The triumph showcased a complete team effort and left Australia with questions about their preparedness for the series.
Day 1: A Battle of Fast Bowlers
India’s decision to bat first after winning the toss seemed brave. However, it quickly turned risky against Australia’s fearsome pace attack. Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc tore through the visitors’ batting order, reducing India to 150 in the first innings. Hazlewood, precise and unrelenting, bagged 4 for 29, while Starc added two crucial wickets for just 14 runs. The only silver linings for India were Nitish Kumar Reddy’s gritty 41 and Rishabh Pant’s counterattacking 37, but the rest of the lineup struggled against the pace and bounce.
Australia’s reply, however, was even more dismal. Jasprit Bumrah, leading the side in Rohit Sharma’s absence, produced a bowling masterclass. His fiery 5 for 30, supported by Mohammed Siraj (2 for 20) and debutant Harshit Rana (3 for 48), skittled the hosts for a mere 104. By the end of the day, India held a crucial 46-run lead, turning the tide firmly in their favour.
Day 2: Openers Build India’s Fortress
On the second day, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul took charge with an exhibition of patience and precision. Jaiswal’s flair combined seamlessly with Rahul’s measured approach as the pair stitched an unbeaten stand of 172 runs. The partnership neutralized Australia’s bowling and extended India’s lead to 218 by stumps, putting the hosts under immense pressure.
Day 3: Jaiswal and Kohli Steal the Show
The third day belonged to Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. Jaiswal, the young prodigy, crafted a magnificent 161, marking his first overseas Test century. His innings, filled with elegant drives and commanding hooks, summed up his potential as India’s next batting superstar.
Virat Kohli, battling criticism over his form, silenced doubters with his 30th Test century. His unbeaten 100 showed his class and temperament, adding dominance to India’s charge. By the time India declared at 487 for 6, they had set an imposing 534-run target for Australia—a mountain the hosts were ill-equipped to climb.
Australia’s second innings started disastrously. Bumrah, relentless and fiery, dismissed two batters early, while Siraj added another wicket to leave the hosts reeling at 12 for 3 at stumps.
Day 4: A Complete Collapse
Day 4 sealed Australia’s fate. Resuming at 12 for 3, the home side showed brief resistance through Travis Head’s defiant 89 and Mitchell Marsh’s 47. However, these efforts were not enough to turn the tide. Bumrah, who ended with match figures of 8 for 72, continued to torment the Australians, while Siraj chipped in with 3 for 51 to wrap up the innings for 238.
Key Takeaways: India Shines, Australia Stumbles
This resounding win highlighted India’s dominance in all departments. Bumrah’s leadership and bowling were instrumental in dismantling Australia’s batting lineup, while Jaiswal’s century demonstrated the depth and promise of India’s batting. Kohli’s century silenced his critics and reinforced his role as the backbone of India’s batting unit.
Australia’s defeat exposed glaring weaknesses. The top-order failure—contributing a dismal 29 runs across two innings—has come under intense scrutiny. Captain Pat Cummins’ leadership and the team’s strategy have also been questioned. The performance was so dire that some labelled it one of the worst batting collapses in Australia’s Test history.
India’s morale is soaring, with the likely return of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in the second Test adding further depth to the team. Australia, on the other hand, faces the daunting task of regrouping. The day-night Test in Adelaide, starting December 6, offers a glimmer of hope. The pink-ball conditions at Adelaide Oval have historically favoured the hosts, and they will be desperate to use this advantage to level the series.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has delivered a fiery start. While India has drawn first blood, Australia will look to turn the tables in what promises to be an enthralling battle ahead.
