India stun Australia in Perth to take a 1-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The match ended quickly in the final session of Day 4, with India needing just five overs to get two Australian wickets. Washington Sundar bowled Nathan Lyon for a duck and debutant Harshit Rana took the wicket, removing Alex Carey for 36 to leave Australia on 238 in pursuit of 510.

India’s grit despite a rough start

India’s first innings was far from ideal as they were bowled out for 150 runs. Josh Hazlewood wreaked havoc with figures of 4/29 while debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy fought back with a brave 41 runs on his first outing. Rishabh Pant contributed 37 and KL Rahul showed consistency before being dismissed.

However, India’s bowlers turned the tide under Perth’s fading light. Jasprit Bumrah (3/30) led an impressive fightback and claimed the valuable wicket of Steve Smith for a golden duck. Debutant Harshit Rana (1/16) and Mohammad Siraj came on to bundle Australia out for 104 and give India a 46-run lead.

Jaiswal and Kohli shine in the second innings

India capitalized on their narrow lead with a commanding batting display in the second innings. Yashaswi Jaiswal, who had earlier been dismissed for a duck, redeemed himself with a stellar 161, his fourth Test century. Along with KL Rahul (77), Jaiswal stitched a mammoth opening partnership of 201.

Virat Kohli then made Australia miserable finished with his 30th Test hundred, an unbeaten 100. India declared on 487/6 and set Australia a huge target of 510 runs.

Australia under pressure

Australia faced a tough task and got off to a disastrous start to their chase, losing three quick wickets late on the 3rd day. Nathan McSweeney’s memorable debut ended with a duck, while Marnus Labuschagne fell LBW to the insinger.

Despite valiant efforts from Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47), Australia’s batting collapsed against India’s relentless bowling. Bumrah (3/42) and Siroj (3/51) were instrumental in dismantling the Australian team.

Keynotes and previews

• 
  Jasprit Bumrah: Leading India’s attack, Bumrah’s nine-ball knock in the match was a crucial factor in the team’s success.
• 
  Yashaswi Jaiswal: He sacrificed himself with the order of 161 after the first failure.
• 
  Nitish Kumar Reddy: He showed promise on his debut with an important 41 in difficult conditions.
• 
  Harshit Rana: A memorable debut with four key wickets in both innings.

India’s emphatic win in Perth sets the tone for the remaining five-match series and the visitors are now brimming with confidence. Australia must quickly regroup as the action shifts to Adelaide for the second Test.

Short Points:

• India 150 (Nitish Kumar Reddy 41, Rishabh Pant 37; Josh Hazlewood 4/29) and 487/6 decl. (Yashaswi Jaiswal 161, Virat Kohli 100*; Nathan Lyon 2/96)
• Australia 104 (Mitchell Starc 26; Jasprit Bumrah 5/30) & 238 (Travis Head 89; Bumrah 3/42, Siroj 3/51)

India won by 295 runs