India conquer Australia with 295-run victory in Perth to bury New Zealand nightmare, take 1-0 series lead

NEW DELHI: Team India entered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against the formidable Australians with many doubting their chances. Virat Kohli’s dry run with the bat, KL Rahul’s inconsistent form, Rohit Sharma’s unavailability and a overburdened Jasprit Bumrah painted a challenging picture.However, the Bumrah-led side silenced all critics by thrashing Australia in Perth by a massive margin of 295 runs, wrapping up the contest inside four days. With this emphatic victory, India, who lost the home Test series to New Zealand 0-3, took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series on Monday.India and Australia will now head to Adelaide for the second Test match, starting December 6. 17 WICKETS ON DAY 1Winning the toss on Friday, Bumrah opted to bat first — a decision that raised eyebrows. India’s batters crumbled against the Australian pace attack, managing only 150 in their first innings.Despite the modest total, India’s pacers had different plans. Bumrah (5/30), Mohammed Siraj (2/20), and debutant Harshit Rana (3/48) combined to bundle out Australia for a paltry 104, securing a slender but crucial 46-run first-innings lead.A total of 17 wickets fell on the opening day of the first Test. JAISWAL AND RAHUL LAY THE FOUNDATIONIndia’s second innings was a stark contrast. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had fallen for a duck in the first innings, delivered a career-defining knock. Partnering with KL Rahul, Jaiswal hammered a commanding 161 off 297 balls, his third century of 2024, following earlier double tons against England.Rahul, under pressure for his patchy performances, silenced critics with a steady 77. Their 201-run opening stand set the tone for India’s dominance on Day 3.KOHLI’S CENTURY AND REDDY’S BRILLIANCEVirat Kohli’s relief was palpable as he reached his 30th Test century with a boundary off Marnus Labuschagne. The unbeaten ton, his 81st international hundred, came off 143 balls and included eight fours and two sixes. Debutant Nitish Reddy impressed yet again. After top-scoring with 41 in the first innings, Reddy’s unbeaten 38 off 27 balls in the second innings showcased his potential. His aggressive stroke play, including three consecutive boundaries off Mitchell Marsh and sixes off Marsh and Nathan Lyon, frustrated the Australians and thrilled the crowd.India declared at 487/6, setting Australia an improbable target of 534 runs.BUMRAH UNLEASHES FIREBumrah delivered a masterclass in fast bowling as Australia faced a daunting chase. Right from his opening delivery, Bumrah set the tone.Fresh off a sensational five-wicket haul in the first innings, Bumrah carried his blistering form into the second. Bumrah claimed three crucial wickets, dismissing Nathan McSweeney (0), Marnus Labuschagne (3), and the dangerous Travis Head (89), leaving Australia in tatters.With this performance, Bumrah capped off the Perth Test with a remarkable 8-wicket haul, underscoring his dominance and leadership.Bumrah was adjudged Man of the Match. A COMMANDING WINAustralia’s batting faltered under pressure as India’s bowlers ensured a comprehensive victory, securing a 1-0 lead in the series.Gabba 2021, Perth 2008, Adelaide 2008—India’s historic wins are legendary, and this triumph ranks right up there. Without Rohit, Gill, Jadeja, Ashwin, or Shami, Team India defied the odds, showcasing resilience and brilliance to script another unforgettable chapter in their cricketing journey. The action now shift to Adelaide, where the second Test begins on December 6.