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December 22, 2024
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In a thrilling display of cricket at the Optus Stadium in Perth, the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia concluded with India securing a resounding victory. Here’s a detailed look at how the match unfolded.
India won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that initially questionable as the Australian pace attack, led by Josh Hazlewood, wreaked havoc. Hazlewood was impeccable, taking four wickets for just 29 runs, bundling India out for a mere 150. However, the Indian bowlers fought back with vigor. Jasprit Bumrah, leading the team in the absence of Rohit Sharma, was the star, claiming four wickets to reduce Australia to a precarious 67/7 at stumps. Harshit Rana, making his Test debut, also contributed with a crucial wicket.
India’s second innings was a stark contrast to the first. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul put on a record-breaking 201-run opening stand, the highest by an Indian pair in Australia, setting a solid foundation. Jaiswal’s 161 was a masterclass in resilience and aggression, while Rahul scored a confident 77. By the end of the day, India had amassed 172/0, leading by 218 runs, showcasing a complete reversal of fortunes.
The third day was dominated by Virat Kohli, who scored a much-celebrated century, his 30th in Test cricket. His 100 not out was instrumental in pushing India’s total to 487 for 6 before declaring, setting Australia a mammoth target of 534 runs. In the brief period before stumps, Australia’s batting crumbled again, with Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj striking early, leaving Australia at 12/3 at the close of play.
Australia’s second innings was a battle against time and a formidable Indian bowling attack. Despite a fighting 89 from Travis Head, the Australian batting lineup couldn’t cope with India’s bowlers. Bumrah and Siraj were relentless, with each picking up three wickets, while Washington Sundar also chipped in with three. Australia was eventually bowled out for 238, securing India a victory by an innings and 295 runs.
• Jasprit Bumrah: Took eight wickets in the match, showcasing his leadership with the ball.
• Yashasvi Jaiswal: Scored a magnificent 161, proving his mettle in foreign conditions.
• Virat Kohli: His unbeaten 100 was crucial in setting up the victory margin.
• Josh Hazlewood: Despite the loss, his four wickets in the first innings were a standout performance for Australia.
This Test match was a testament to India’s adaptability and depth in Test cricket. From a shaky start, they engineered a comeback through solid batting performances and strategic bowling. For Australia, it was a tough lesson in handling spin and pace on a wicket that offered assistance to bowlers throughout the match. The series promises to be a thrilling contest, with India taking a 1-0 lead in a five-match series, setting the stage for more cricketing battles ahead.