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India Ripped Apart Australia at Perth; Takes 1-0 Series Lead!
India won the 1st Test vs Australia at Perth by 295 Runs and took a 1-0 lead in the series. With this win India stormed back to No.1 in WTC table.
Ashutosh Nayak
December 01, 2024
Welcome to the 42nd Edition of The Cricket Diaries!
India's Historic Triumph at Perth
The Indian cricket team stunned Australia with a dominant performance in the 1st Test at Perth, breaking the hosts’ 100% win record at the Optus Stadium. Australia entered the match as favorites, but against all odds, India emerged victorious, taking a 1-0 lead in the 5-match series. Here’s a detailed recap of this memorable game:
Day 1: Bowlers Steal the Show
Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian team in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma. Winning the toss, Bumrah opted to bat first.
India’s innings started on shaky ground:
Jaiswal and debutant Devdutt Padikkal were dismissed without scoring.
Star batter Virat Kohli fell cheaply, followed by a controversial decision dismissing KL Rahul.
Despite a fighting partnership between Rishabh Pant and debutant Nitish Reddy, India managed only 150 runs.
When Australia came to bat, India’s pacers wreaked havoc. Jasprit Bumrah led from the front, leaving Australia reeling at 67-7 by the end of the day.
Day 2: A Stunning Turnaround
Australia’s innings wrapped up quickly on Day 2 as they were bowled out for 104, giving India a vital 46-run lead.
What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Indian openers Jaiswal and KL Rahul put on a batting masterclass:
They shared an unbeaten 172-run partnership by stumps, taking India’s lead to 218 with all 10 wickets in hand.
On a pitch that saw 17 wickets fall on Day 1, only 3 wickets fell on Day 2—a testament to the duo's skill and determination.
Day 3: Jaiswal and Kohli Shine
The Indian openers continued their brilliance on Day 3:
KL Rahul scored a solid 77, while Jaiswal notched up his maiden Test century in Australia, scoring 161.
India’s middle order stumbled briefly, but Virat Kohli stepped up with his 30th Test century (and 7th in Australia).
India declared at 487, setting Australia a mammoth target of 534. The Indian pacers struck early, reducing the hosts to 12-3 by stumps.
Day 4: The Final Blow
Australia’s hopes rested on partnerships, but India’s bowlers ensured no such chance:
Siraj dismissed Usman Khawaja, and despite some resistance from Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, India kept the pressure on.
Bumrah delivered the crucial blow, removing Head. Australia was bowled out for 237, handing India a commanding 295-run victory.
This win at Perth will be remembered as a testament to India’s grit and skill on foreign soil.
Looking Ahead: The Pink Ball Test
The 2nd Test of the series, a Pink Ball match, begins on 6th December at Adelaide. The unique dynamics of day-night cricket promise another thrilling contest.
Stay tuned and keep following The Cricket Diaries for more updates and analyses.
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