Even before the start of the series, renowned former cricketers like Ricky Ponting, Michael Vaughan, and Michael Clarke had picked Australia as the favourite. The first two sessions of the day seemed to confirm their predictions, as Australia took control and India found itself in a difficult position. However, in the third and final session, the match took a 180-degree turn. Team India came back in the driver’s seat. Skipper Bumrah and other bowlers wreaking havoc and establishing dominance. By the end of Day 1, India had surpassed Australia, seizing control of the Perth Test.
Australia’s Poor Performance After Lunch Break
By the end of the first day’s play, Australia had scored only 67 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Australia is now trailing India by 83 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for India, taking 4 wickets. Mohammad Siraj claimed 2 wickets, while debutant Harshit Rana took one wicket.
Bumrah’s Brilliant Spell: 4 Wickets
As a captain of the Indian side, Bumrah leads from the front. His four-wicket haul was crucial to India’s dominance on Day 1. He removed Australia’s top order, including openers Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja. The Star Aussie batter Steven Smith fell for a golden duck in Bumrah’s Unplayable delivery. The Indian skipper’s consecutive wickets in the third session turned the game in India’s favour.
India’s Struggles with the Bat Again
India’s decision to bat first after winning the toss did not go as planned, with the team getting all out for just 150 runs. Nitish Kumar Reddy, on debut, top-scored with 41 runs off 59 balls, while Rishabh Pant contributed 37 runs. The Legend batter of India, Virat Kohli only managed to score 5 Runs. KL Rahul, who struggled in the New Zealand series, once again found himself dismissed after getting set. He faced 76 balls and scored 26 runs before being dismissed. Despite appearing to be in control, the Decision Review System (DRS) did not go in his favour, adding to his frustration. Australia’s Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Marsh each picked up 2 wickets.
That’s Stumps on what was an engrossing Day 1 of the 1st #AUSvIND Test!
7⃣ wickets in the Final Session for #TeamIndia! 👌👌
4⃣ wickets for Captain Jasprit Bumrah
2⃣ wickets for Mohammed Siraj
1⃣ wicket for debutant Harshit RanaScorecard ▶️ https://t.co/gTqS3UPruo pic.twitter.com/1Mbb6F6B2c
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 22, 2024
Key Partnerships: Pant and Nitish Reddy
Despite the early wickets, Rishabh Pant and Nitish Reddy created a valuable 48-run partnership, helping India reach 150. Their efforts proved crucial as India finished the day with a significant advantage.
Captain gets Captain 👏
Skipper Jasprit Bumrah has FOUR!
Pat Cummins departs for 3.
Live – https://t.co/gTqS3UPruo#TeamIndia | #AUSvIND | @Jaspritbumrah93 pic.twitter.com/rOkGVnMkKt
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 22, 2024
Australia’s Struggle Continues
In response, Australia’s batting collapsed in the third session, losing 6 wickets for just 47 runs. Harshit Rana dismissed Travis Head, while Siraj removed Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne. Bumrah finished the day with his fourth wicket, dismissing Cummins. They will begin Day 2 trailing India by 87 runs, with their hopes resting on Carey (19*) and Starc (6*) Shoulders.
Scorecard:
India First Innings: 150 in 49.4 overs (Nitish 41, Pant 37, Rahul 26, Jurel 11; Hazlewood 4/29, Marsh 2/12, Starc 2/14, Cummins 2/67)
Australia First Innings: 67/7 in 27 overs (Carey 19*, Head 11, McSweeney 10; Bumrah 4/17, Siraj 2/17)