India Stun Australia in Perth to Take a 1-0 Lead in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The match concluded swiftly in the final session of Day 4, with India needing just five overs to claim the last two Australian wickets. Washington Sundar bowled Nathan Lyon for a duck, and debutant Harshit Rana sealed the win by dismissing Alex Carey for 36, leaving Australia all out for 238 in their chase of 510.

India’s Grit Despite a Tough Start

India’s first innings was far from ideal as they were bowled out for a paltry 150. Josh Hazlewood wreaked havoc with figures of 4/29, while debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy fought valiantly with 41 runs in his maiden outing. Rishabh Pant contributed 37, and KL Rahul displayed resilience before being dismissed controversially.

However, India’s bowlers turned the tide under the fading Perth light. Jasprit Bumrah (3/30) led a stunning fightback, claiming the prized wicket of Steve Smith for a golden duck. Debutant Harshit Rana (1/16) and Mohammed Siraj chipped in, bundling Australia out for 104 and giving India a slender 46-run lead.

Jaiswal and Kohli Shine in Second Innings

India capitalized on their narrow advantage with a commanding batting display in the second innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had been dismissed for a duck earlier, redeemed himself with a stellar 161, his fourth Test century. Alongside KL Rahul (77), Jaiswal stitched a mammoth 201-run opening partnership.

Virat Kohli then piled on the misery for Australia with his 30th Test hundred, ending unbeaten on 100. India declared at 487/6, setting Australia an imposing target of 510 runs.

Australia Falter Under Pressure

Australia faced a daunting task and began their chase disastrously, losing three quick wickets late on Day 3. Nathan McSweeney’s forgettable debut ended with a duck, while Marnus Labuschagne fell LBW to an inswinger.

Despite valiant efforts from Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47), Australia’s batters faltered against India’s relentless bowling. Bumrah (3/42) and Siraj (3/51) were instrumental in dismantling the Australian lineup.

Key Performances and Looking Ahead

• 
  Jasprit Bumrah: The spearhead of India’s attack, Bumrah’s nine wickets in the match were pivotal to the team’s success.
• 
  Yashasvi Jaiswal: Redeemed himself with a commanding 161 after a first-innings failure.
• 
  Nitish Kumar Reddy: Showed promise on debut with a crucial 41 in challenging conditions.
• 
  Harshit Rana: A memorable debut with four key wickets across both innings.

India’s emphatic win in Perth sets the tone for the rest of the five-match series, with the visitors now brimming with confidence. Australia will need to regroup quickly as the action shifts to Adelaide for the second Test.

Brief Scores:

• 
  India 150 (Nitish Kumar Reddy 41, Rishabh Pant 37; Josh Hazlewood 4/29) & 487/6 decl. (Yashasvi Jaiswal 161, Virat Kohli 100*; Nathan Lyon 2/96)
• 
  Australia 104 (Mitchell Starc 26; Jasprit Bumrah 5/30) & 238 (Travis Head 89; Bumrah 3/42, Siraj 3/51)

India won by 295 runs