India Dominates on Day 1 of the BGT in Perth, Bumrah’s Masterclass Dismisses Australia for 67/7
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India has seized control on a thrilling opening day of the highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Perth, after a dramatic turn of events saw a total of 17 wickets tumble. The visitors, led by the "temporary captain" Jasprit Bumrah, have a significant advantage heading into Day 2, with Australia reeling at 67/7, trailing India by 83 runs.
Opting to bat first on a lively pitch with plenty of grass, pace, and bounce, Bumrah’s decision looked courageous, given the conditions. However, it soon became apparent that the surface was a nightmare for the batters. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood immediately made their presence felt, reducing India to 10/2, as both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal failed to open their accounts. Padikkal, in particular, struggled under pressure, facing 23 balls without scoring.
KL Rahul showed some resistance, but his departure in the first session left India at 34/3. Virat Kohli looked in good touch, but a sharp delivery from Hoff, exploiting the conditions perfectly, dismissed the Indian stalwart. By lunch, India had been reduced to 58/4, and the visitors were struggling to cope with the relentless Aussie pace attack.
The second session was equally challenging, with India crumbling to 73/6, as Mitchell Marsh, the local hero, joined in the carnage. However, a vital partnership between Rishabh Pant (37) and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) steadied the ship for India. Reddy, who had already survived a couple of nervy moments, top-scored for the visitors and showed grit and composure on his debut, ensuring India managed to reach 150 at Tea.
Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/25, while Starc (2/33), Marsh (2/42), and Cummins (2/38) all contributed. Nathan Lyon, despite his good record in Perth, was left wicketless, unable to break through the Indian lower order.
When India turned to their bowlers, Bumrah led from the front with an inspired spell. The pacer was exceptional in dismissing debutant Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, and Steven Smith, leaving Australia at a perilous 35/3. Bumrah could have had Marnus Labuschagne as well, but Kohli dropped a sitter at slip.
India’s dominance continued after tea, with debutant Harshit Rana (1/33) striking early to send Travis Head back to the pavilion. Siraj (2/17), making his return, added to the pressure, removing Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh, who failed to make the most of his early life at the crease.
Bumrah returned to dismiss Australian captain Pat Cummins and took his tally to 4/17, leaving the hosts reeling at 67/7. Alex Carey (19*) remained unbeaten, while Starc (8*) fought to survive until stumps.
India’s pacers were outstanding, with Bumrah and Siraj leading the charge, while the debutants made valuable contributions. With a 83-run lead and a dominant position, India will look to finish off Australia’s resistance early on Day 2, as the hosts face an uphill battle to save the match.
This has been a day of pure seam bowling excellence, with India standing tall after a gripping contest. The game is far from over, but India have the upper hand in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Brief Score – Day 1, BGT 2024, Perth
- India 1st Innings: 150 all out (Nitish Kumar Reddy 41, Rishabh Pant 37; Josh Hazlewood 4/25, Mitchell Starc 2/33)
- Australia 1st Innings: 67/7 at stumps (Alex Carey 19*; Jasprit Bumrah 4/17, Mohammed Siraj 2/17)