In a day of breathtaking swings in momentum, India found themselves on top despite a precarious start on the opening day of the first Test against Australia in Perth. After being bowled out for just 150, the Indian bowlers, led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, struck back hard, leaving Australia struggling at 67 for 7 by stumps.
Australia’s top order was decimated by Bumrah’s brilliance, as the Indian pacer claimed 4 for 17 from 10 overs. He made an early impact, removing debutant Nathan McSweeney (10) in the third over, before following up with a sensational double-strike in the seventh over, sending both Usman Khawaja and Steven Smith back to the pavilion in consecutive balls. Smith, in particular, was undone by a brilliant delivery that jagged back sharply to trap him LBW.
Bumrah’s relentless pressure, coupled with tight spells from Mohammed Siraj, who took 2 for 17, left Australia reeling. Siraj claimed the crucial wickets of Travis Head, who was bowled by debutant Harshit Rana, and Marnus Labuschagne, who was caught by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant after an edgy delivery. Labuschagne’s painful knock of 2 off 52 balls highlighted the pressure mounting on Australia’s batting order.
Riding high on their seam attack, India’s bowlers took full advantage of the overcast conditions and a pitch offering substantial movement. Bumrah, returning for a final spell in the evening session, cleaned up Australia’s captain Pat Cummins, leaving the hosts at a dire 67 for 7 by the close of play.
Earlier in the day, India’s batting had been put under immense pressure by Australia’s pacers. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were outstanding with the ball, claiming all four wickets in the morning session. Hazlewood, in particular, was instrumental in dismissing Virat Kohli for just 5. The Indian star, who has often thrived in Australian conditions, was caught fending at a rising delivery from Hazlewood, sending the ball to first slip.
India’s top order struggled to cope with the bounce and movement, as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, and Kohli all fell cheaply. Rahul was also dismissed after a contentious DRS decision that overturned the on-field umpire’s not-out call, leaving India reeling at 47 for 4.
Despite the early setbacks, India’s lower order provided some resistance. Rishabh Pant and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy combined for a crucial 48-run partnership, the highest of India’s innings. Pant was his typically adventurous self, playing audacious shots like a scoop for six off Pat Cummins. However, both Pant (37) and Reddy (41) fell before India could build a substantial total, and India were dismissed for 150 before tea.
Australia’s bowlers were led by Hazlewood (4 for 29) and Mitchell Marsh (2 for 12), with both proving challenging in the conditions. Marsh, in particular, made an impressive return to bowling after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Despite the early collapse, Australia still has a chance to fight back in the match, but the odds are firmly stacked against them as Bumrah’s men lead the way with a commanding performance with the ball. The second day promises to be a fascinating one, as India will look to build on their dominant position, while Australia’s remaining batsmen will have to produce a remarkable fightback to stay in the contest.
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