India Claims Historic 295-Run Victory Over Australia in Perth, Takes 1-0 Lead in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
India delivered a commanding performance to defeat Australia by 295 runs in the first Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Perth. This remarkable victory, achieved within four days, ended Australia’s unbeaten streak at the Optus Stadium since 2018. India now leads the series 1-0.
Dominant Bowling Effort
Resuming Day 4 at 12 for 3, Australia faced a mammoth target of 510 runs. Mohammed Siraj struck early, dismissing Usman Khawaja with a top-edged pull. Travis Head (89) offered resistance, forming crucial partnerships with Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh. Smith (26) fell to Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah’s lethal spell removed Head shortly after lunch.
Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana further dismantled Australia’s middle order, with Reddy claiming Marsh and Rana dismissing Mitchell Starc. Washington Sundar bowled Nathan Lyon for a duck, and Harshit Rana sealed the game by bowling Alex Carey (36), wrapping up Australia’s innings at 238.
India’s Resilience After a Poor Start
India’s victory came despite a shaky start on Day 1, when they were bundled out for 150. Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy fought valiantly with 41, while Rishabh Pant added 37. Josh Hazlewood led Australia’s attack, taking 4 for 29. However, India’s bowlers turned the tide, with Jasprit Bumrah (5 for 30) and Harshit Rana (3 for 48) dismissing Australia for just 104, securing a crucial first-innings lead.
Batting Brilliance in the Second Innings
India capitalized on their lead, with Yashasvi Jaiswal smashing a stellar 161 after a first-innings duck. His 201-run opening stand with KL Rahul (77) laid a strong foundation. Virat Kohli added to the dominance with his 30th Test century, taking India to 487/6 declared.
Australia Crumbles Under Pressure
Set an impossible target, Australia’s top order crumbled late on Day 3, losing three wickets under fading light. Marnus Labuschagne and Nathan McSweeney were dismissed cheaply. Despite Head’s efforts, the hosts could not recover on Day 4, succumbing to India’s relentless bowling attack.
Match Highlights
- India’s Batting: Yashasvi Jaiswal (161), Virat Kohli (100*), KL Rahul (77)
- India’s Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah (8 wickets in the match), Mohammed Siraj (3 for 51 in the second innings)
- Australia’s Resistance: Travis Head (89), Mitchell Marsh (47)
This win marks a strong comeback for India after their series defeat in New Zealand. With key players Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill unavailable, the team showcased remarkable depth and resilience.
Brief Scores:
- India: 150 & 487/6 decl.
- Australia: 104 & 238
India now heads into the second Test with momentum, aiming to extend their lead in the series.
