India’s much-anticipated Test series in Australia, comprising five matches, began with a commanding performance in the opening game. The stakes are high for the visitors, as winning the series is essential to secure their place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
Rohit Sharma, India’s regular captain, chose to rest for the first Test and will return for the second match. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah was responsible for leading the side.
Match Overview
The first Test was held at Perth Stadium from November 22 to 25. After winning the toss, India opted to bat first.
India’s First Innings
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul opened for India, but the innings got off to a rocky start as Yashasvi fell early. The Australian bowlers maintained their dominance throughout, consistently taking wickets and dismantling the Indian batting order.
India could only manage a total of 150 runs. Josh Hazlewood led Australia’s bowling attack with four wickets, while Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Marsh chipped in with two apiece.
Australia’s First Innings
Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney began Australia’s reply, but Jasprit Bumrah struck early to unsettle the hosts. His fiery spell reduced Australia to a precarious position, and the rest of the Indian bowling unit capitalized on the momentum.
Australia’s innings ended at 104 runs, giving India a slim first-innings lead. Bumrah claimed five wickets in an exceptional spell, with Harshit Rana taking three and Mohammad Siraj adding two to the tally.
India’s Second Innings
India’s second innings started strongly as Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul built a solid opening partnership. Both batters demonstrated great discipline, notching up half-centuries.
Rahul eventually fell to Mitchell Starc, but Yashasvi continued to bat brilliantly, bringing up a well-deserved century. Virat Kohli joined him and added stability to the innings. Yashasvi’s outstanding knock of 150 runs laid the foundation, and Kohli later reached his own century.
India declared their innings at a commanding total of 487/6, leaving Australia with a daunting target of 534 runs.
Australia’s Second Innings
Chasing the massive target, Australia’s batting lineup struggled once again. Indian bowlers consistently broke partnerships and maintained pressure. Travis Head fought valiantly with a knock of 89, but his efforts weren’t enough to salvage the innings.
Bumrah and Siraj took three wickets each, wrapping up Australia’s innings at 238 runs. The Indian bowlers’ discipline and determination shone through, ensuring their team finished the game on a high note.
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 25, 2024