On a lively Perth pitch, relentless pace bowling ensured that 17 wickets came up on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 opening day. But bowled out for 150, India roared back with the ball to reduce Australia to 67 for seven at stumps.
India elected to bat first, cautiously, before losing KL Rahul (26) to a debatable caught-behind decision before lunch. But India suffered brief resistance from Rishabh Pant (37) and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) before losing six wickets for 44 runs in the second session.
Two brilliant seamers made Australia’s day courtesy of Josh Hazlewood (4/29) and Mitchell Marsh (2/12), bowling India’s lower order away. The pitch was unpredictable, and the ball kept moving away from the surface, and the Indian collapse was a physical testament to just that.
The reply came in the form of a fiery spell from Jasprit Bumrah (4/17), who skittled Australia’s batting spectacularly. At one stage, the hosts were reduced to 23/6, with debutant Harshit Rana (1/33) and Mohammed Siraj (2/17) adding to the carnage.
Australia reached 67/7 thanks partly to some grit from Alex Carey (19*) and Mitchell Starc (6*). India must be an arguable favorite to chase their slim 83-run lead on Day 2 if they can forgive just three wickets in hand.
India will need a 4-0 series win to reach the World Test Championship final, and this low-scoring thriller could play a massive part. This is a pressure series after their earlier struggle against New Zealand, so they must relive their redemption arc.
Day 2 has more promise for India’s bowlers, who hope to grab the initiative with fast bowling, wrap up Australia’s knock, and get things over relatively quickly. Bat and ball will probably be a tough contest in Perth.
