NEW DELHI: India’s stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah delivered a sensational performance, claiming a five-wicket haul to dismiss Australia for a mere 104 runs in their first innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth on Saturday.
The hosts’ total marked their second-lowest Test score against India at home, behind only the 83 scored at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1981, which is also the lowest overall against the visitors in the format.
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Scorecard: India vs Australia, 1st Test
Lowest totals for Australia vs India at home
83 at Melbourne in 1981
104 at Perth in 2024
107 at Sydney in 1947
131 at Sydney in 1978
145 at Adelaide in 1992
Bumrah’s fiery spell, returning figures of 5 for 30, was his 11th five-wicket haul in Tests, leading India to a crucial 46-run first-innings lead. The Australians were bowled out in the 52nd over after resuming Day 2 at 67/7, trailing India’s first-innings total of 150.
Alex Carey (19) and Mitchell Starc (6), Australia’s overnight batters, aimed to salvage some runs but succumbed to Bumrah’s precision. Bumrah dismissed Carey with his first delivery of the day, completing his five-wicket haul.
Lowest totals for Australia vs India
83 at MCG in 1981
91 at Nagpur in 2023
93 at Wankhede in 2004
104 at Perth in 2024
105 at Kanpur in 1959
Impressive debut for Harshit Rana
Debutant Harshit Rana made an impactful start to his Test career, claiming 3 for 48, including the crucial dismissals of Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc. Rana ended a stubborn last-wicket partnership between Starc (26) and Josh Hazlewood (7 not out), which added 25 runs and temporarily frustrated the Indian attack. Mohammed Siraj also contributed with figures of 2 for 20, ensuring Australia were all out at the stroke of lunch time.
Bowling domination across two days
The match witnessed dramatic bowling performances from both sides. On the opening day, Australia’s pacers dismantled India’s batting lineup for 150. Josh Hazlewood led the charge with figures of 4 for 29, supported by Mitchell Starc (2/14), Pat Cummins (2/67), and Mitchell Marsh (2/12).
For India, debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy top-scored with a fighting 41, while Rishabh Pant added a crucial 37 runs.
Historic Context
Australia’s 104 was their third-lowest total at home since 2000, showcasing the dominance of India’s bowling attack. Bumrah’s leadership and clinical bowling set the tone for a strong Indian showing in the five-match series.
Lowest totals for Australia at home since 2000
85 vs SA in 2016
98 vs Eng in 2010
104 vs Ind in 2024
127 vs Pak in 2010
136 vs NZ in 2011
With a first-innings lead in the bag, India will look to capitalize as they aim to take control of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in the coming days.
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