India’s stand-in captain and ‘Player of the Match’ Jasprit Bumrah led a dramatic turnaround for the visitors in the Perth Test, resulting in a record-breaking win against Australia, after which off-spin great Nathan Lyon approached the Indian pacer for his autograph on a bat.
Bumrah’s match haul of 8 for 72 brought India back when they had their backs to the wall after being dismissed for just 150 in their first innings on the bouncy Optus Stadium track.But Bumrah, who was leading the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, took five wickets (5 for 30) to help his team bowl out the Aussies for a mere 104.
(Photo: BCCI video grab)
Yashavi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli then took over, striking 161 and 100 not out respectively to take India to 487 for 6 declared — not to forget the mammoth opening partnership of 201 between Jaiswal and KL Rahul (77) that laid the foundation of India’s big total in the second innings.
Chasing a daunting 534 to win, Australia were bowled out for 238 as Bumrah once again led the attack with his 3 for 42, well supported by fellow pacer Mohammed Siraj (3 for 51) and offspinner Washington Sundar (2 for 48).
In a behind-the-scenes video shared by BCCI after the match, Australia spinner Lyon was seen getting an autograph from Bumrah in the corridor leading up to the teams’ dressing room.
The second Test will be a day-night affair at the Adelaide Oval, beginning December 6. Before that, India will play a two-day practice match under the lights in Canberra against the Prime Minister’s XI.
Rohit, who was on paternity leave after the birth of his second child, has joined the team in Australia and will be back as captain for the second Test of the five-match series, which India now lead 1-0.
