The first day of the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth saw a stunning display of bowlers, and 17 wickets were falling on the first day alone. This was a record, the most wickets lost in the first day of a Test match in Australia for 55 years. Both sides have been taking positions, and the Test is still poised, which makes it an interesting encounter. Jasprit Bumrah won the toss and decided to bat first.
India faced a harrowing time, though a lethal Australian pace partnership outbowled the Indian team, putting it a shaky 65-5. However, India displayed an excellent fighting spirit when their pace duo reduced the home team to a precarious 150-all-out by Tea. Seam-friendly conditions complemented by a mix of variable bounce and ruthless fast bowling ensured that the batters on both sides had a miserable time. The Optus Stadium made it very slippery, challenging the skills and stamina of players against an aggressive pace.
Josh Hazlewood bowled impressively and out-bowled Bumrah for the series, who also did a splendid job with the ball. With the ball, Hazlewood led the Australian charge with four important wickets, including those of Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli. His return spells got rid of tailenders Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana which set the tone for the Indian innings.
Consequently, Bumrah came up with his horrific first bowling for India, where he got rid of Nathan McSweeney. He caused a great deal of surprise on the Australian side by successfully bowling out Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith. Australia’s woes with Warner’s fiery pace and movement didn’t stop there as he bowled Australia skipper Pat Cummins before the close of play.
This is the second time in 2024 Indian team was involved in a record-breaking opening-day collapse. Their Test against South Africa in Cape Town earlier this year had to be stopped at stumps on the first day with a mind-boggling 23 wickets down, which was the second-worst performance by any team in the modern era dating back to 1902. Just these two have highlighted the continued supremacy of bowlers in Test cricket that brings the audiences thus thrilling and sharp battle.
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