With two fast bowlers captaining their sides, the much-anticipated opening day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy saw relentless action, with 17 wickets falling. At stumps, Australia found themselves at 67/7, trailing India’s first-innings total of 150 by 83 runs. India holds the upper hand, thanks to a fiery display from their pace attack led by captain Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah was the standout performer, leading from the front after India managed only a modest total on a lively Perth pitch. The Indian skipper struck early to dismiss debutant Nathan McSweeney, setting the tone for the Australian collapse. Bumrah then removed Usman Khawaja and delivered the day’s biggest moment by dismissing Steve Smith for a duck.
Bumrah’s extended spell proved decisive, as he dismantled Australia’s top order with a mix of accuracy and aggression. His lethal one-two punch, removing Khawaja and Smith in consecutive deliveries, firmly shifted momentum in India’s favor. Later, Bumrah had Marnus Labuschagne ducking and weaving to fend off a cleverly disguised change of pace, underlining his tactical brilliance.
Mohammed Siraj and debutant Harshit Rana provided solid support. Rana claimed the crucial wicket of Travis Head with a peach of a delivery, while Siraj kept the pressure on the Australian batters. Labuschagne endured a painstaking 24-ball wait to score his first run, but his resistance didn’t last long. Mitchell Marsh attempted to steady the ship but was dismissed shortly after Labuschagne, and Australia’s innings continued to unravel. Reduced to 59/7, they face the possibility of being bowled out early on Day 2. Alex Carey remains the lone recognized batter, unbeaten on 19.
Earlier in the day, India won the toss and opted to bat on a sporting Perth Stadium pitch. The opening combination of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal showed promise early on, but Jaiswal’s eagerness to drive led to his downfall. Mitchell Starc, who consistently pitched the ball up to extract swing, claimed the first wicket, sending Jaiswal back with a reckless drive.
Josh Hazlewood was Australia’s standout bowler, delivering a masterclass in precision. While Starc targeted swing, Hazlewood bowled a slightly shorter length, probing the corridor of uncertainty. He accounted for Devdutt Padikkal’s wicket before producing an unplayable delivery to dismiss Virat Kohli. Batting outside his crease to negate the movement, Kohli fell to a length ball that reared up unexpectedly, catching him off guard.
India’s troubles were compounded when KL Rahul, their most composed batter, was controversially given out by the TV umpire in what seemed like an instinctive rather than conclusive decision. Starc delivered a crucial blow just before lunch, leaving India teetering at 51/4.
Post-lunch, India’s middle order struggled against the relentless Australian attack. Mitchell Marsh struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Dhruv Jurel, who had looked promising, and Washington Sundar, who poked at a delivery outside off-stump.
Rishabh Pant was the lone batter who showed intent, balancing aggression with caution. He targeted Pat Cummins with some attacking strokes but eventually fell to the Australian captain, marking the first time Cummins had dismissed Pant in Test cricket. Debutant Nitish Reddy top-scored with 41, playing a gritty knock before becoming the last man out.
India’s total of 150 was far from ideal, but Bumrah’s brilliance ensured they ended Day 1 on top. If the first day’s action is any indication, this Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a thrilling contest.