Image Credit: BCCI
India Takes Control as Australia Crumbles on Opening Day
India seized the momentum on an extraordinary opening day of the first Test in Perth, as Australia collapsed to 67-7 in response to India’s modest 150.
The day witnessed 17 wickets fall, marking the most on the opening day of a Test in Australia since 1952.
India’s Struggles with the Bat
Opting to bat first, India, with six changes to their side after the third Test defeat to New Zealand, stumbled early. The top order failed to deliver, with skipper Virat Kohli managing just five runs. Debutants Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal, playing in Australia for the first time, were dismissed for ducks.
Rishabh Pant (37) and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) offered some resistance with a counter-attacking partnership, helping India scrape to 150. However, Australia wrapped up the Indian innings within two sessions, gaining the upper hand momentarily.
Bumrah’s Fiery Spell Rattles Australia
Jasprit Bumrah delivered a sensational opening spell to turn the game in India’s favor. He dismissed debutant Nathan McSweeney lbw on review and removed Usman Khawaja with a sharp catch in the slips. Steve Smith was sent packing for a golden duck with a superb lbw.
Mohammed Siraj joined the action, trapping Marnus Labuschagne for two off 52 balls. Bumrah continued his dominance, dismissing Pat Cummins late in the session. By stumps, Australia was reeling at 67-7, trailing India by 83 runs.
Historic Opening Day
The match’s opening day will be remembered for its drama, as the ball dominated the bat on a tricky Perth surface. India’s disciplined bowling unit ensured they bounced back after a shaky batting performance.
