25-Nov-2024, 02:02 PM
Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership shone brightly as India achieved a historic victory against Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth’s Optus Stadium, winning by an impressive 295 runs. This match marked a significant milestone, as India became the first visiting team to defeat Australia at this venue, which had previously seen Australia dominate with a perfect record of four wins.
The match began with a shaky start for India, who were bowled out for just 150 runs in their first innings. However, Bumrah’s team rallied impressively, showcasing resilience and determination. In response, Australia struggled significantly, managing only 104 runs in their first innings, thus handing India a crucial 46-run lead.
In the second innings, India displayed a remarkable turnaround, with standout performances from Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul.
The duo forged a historic opening partnership of 201 runs, the highest ever for an Indian opening pair. Jaiswal scored an impressive 161 runs, while Rahul contributed a solid 77. Their efforts set the stage for Virat Kohli to add to the Australian woes with his 81st Test century, helping India declare at 487 for 6 and setting Australia an imposing target of 534 runs.On Day 4, Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj led India’s bowling attack with precision and aggression. Bumrah took three wickets for 42 runs, while Siraj matched him with three wickets for 54 runs. The Australian batting lineup faltered under pressure; only Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47) managed to offer any resistance. Bumrah’s brilliance was evident as he dismissed Head with a well-pitched delivery that climbed unexpectedly, leading to a catch by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.This victory is particularly significant for India as it comes on the heels of a disappointing home series against New Zealand, where they suffered a clean sweep. The win not only boosts India’s morale but also strengthens their position in the World Test Championship race.
Bumrah’s captaincy has been praised for its strategic acumen and motivational impact on the team. The historic win in Perth serves as a testament to India’s growing prowess in international cricket, especially in challenging conditions like those found in Australia. As they lead the five-match series 1-0, Indian fans are hopeful for continued success in the upcoming matches.
