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India Crush Australia by 295 Runs for Historic Win in Perth
India secured a monumental 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at the Optus Stadium, Perth. This comprehensive win not only gave India a 1-0 lead but also ended Australia’s unbeaten streak at the venue, which had been intact since 2018. Despite missing key players like skipper Rohit Sharma and opener Shubman Gill, India displayed a spirited team performance to register this historic triumph.
India’s Dominant Performance Seals the Win
The Match at a Glance
The visitors needed only two wickets on the fourth day to seal the victory. It took India just five overs to wrap up proceedings as Australia folded for 238 in their second innings, chasing a mammoth target of 510 runs.
Key Performances with the Ball
India’s pace battery, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, rattled the Australian batting lineup. Bumrah claimed match figures of 8/72, while Siraj’s crucial strikes ensured Australia never gained momentum. Debutant Harshit Rana also made an impressive start, contributing vital wickets in both innings.
Australia’s Struggle and Resilience
Resuming at a precarious 12/3 on Day 4, the hosts faced an uphill battle. Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47) provided some resistance with partnerships of 62 and 82 runs, respectively. However, India’s relentless bowling attack proved too much for the Australian lineup, with wickets falling regularly after the Lunch break.
Nathan Lyon’s Dismissal
Nathan Lyon’s quick departure post-Tea exemplified Australia’s woes. Attempting to play for spin, Lyon missed a straight delivery from Washington Sundar and was bowled for a duck, further highlighting India’s dominance.
India’s Redemption After Early Setbacks
A Disastrous Start on Day 1
The match began poorly for India as they were bundled out for just 150 on the opening day. Josh Hazlewood’s fiery spell (4/29) wreaked havoc, while debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy’s valiant 41 and Rishabh Pant’s gritty 37 provided some respectability to the innings.
Despite the early collapse, India’s bowlers roared back. Bumrah’s triple strike under fading lights, including the prized scalp of Steve Smith for a golden duck, shifted momentum towards India. Harshit Rana also contributed by dismissing Travis Head, limiting Australia to 104 in their first innings.
Jaiswal and Kohli Lead India’s Charge
India capitalized on their slender 46-run lead in the second innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal, after a duck in the first innings, made a stunning comeback with a majestic 161. His opening partnership of 201 runs with KL Rahul (77) set the stage for India’s commanding total of 487/6 declared.
Virat Kohli added further misery for the Australians with his 30th Test century, remaining unbeaten on 100*. India declared with an imposing target, ensuring two full days to bowl out Australia.
Turning Point: Bumrah’s Magic Under Lights
The Final Blow on Day 3
Bumrah’s fiery spell late on Day 3 once again proved decisive. In just 27 minutes of play, Australia lost three crucial wickets, including Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins. This spell left the hosts reeling and set the stage for India’s dominant Day 4 performance.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Indian Bowling Prowess: Bumrah’s leadership with the ball and contributions from debutants Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy were critical.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Resurgence: The young opener’s 161 showcased his resilience and ability to learn from setbacks.
- Australia’s Defiant Partnerships: Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh’s partnerships were bright spots in an otherwise lackluster batting display.
Conclusion: A Statement Victory
This win marks a significant milestone for India, especially coming after their recent 3-0 loss to New Zealand. The team’s ability to adapt and perform under challenging conditions reflects their growing stature in world cricket.
For more insights into India’s historic wins, check out our article on India’s Test Cricket Triumphs. To view the official scorecard and detailed stats, visit ESPNcricinfo.
