PERTH, Australia — Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah showcased a remarkable performance, taking five wickets for just 30 runs as Australia was all out for 104 in their first innings, responding to India’s total of 150. This occurred on the second day of the first match in the five-test series on Saturday.
India managed to gain a 46-run advantage on a pitch that has been challenging for batsmen, yielding significant bounce and lateral movement, particularly with the new ball. Throughout the first four sessions of play, a total of 20 wickets fell, with 17 of them disappearing on the first day.
Australia’s innings came to a close right before the lunch break on Saturday, with Mitchell Starc being the top scorer at 26 runs. He fell to paceman Harshit Rana, who finished with figures of 3-48, after a determined partnership of 25 runs that lifted Australia from a precarious position of 79-9. Both Starc and Josh Hazlewood (6 not out) defiantly resisted Indian bowlers for 90 minutes before Starc was dismissed.
The team faced additional setbacks as they lost wickets in quick succession, with Alex Carey scoring 21 and Nathan Lyon contributing just 5 runs. At one point, Australia was dangerously close to setting a record for their lowest total against subcontinent teams.
This match marked Bumrah’s 11th five-wicket haul in just his 41st test match, highlighted by his delivery that coaxed an edge from Carey to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
During the match, Starc was struck on the helmet by a delivery from Rana, necessitating medical attention due to concussion protocols. Interestingly, Starc and Rana are teammates in the Kolkata Knight Riders during the T20 season, and Rana quickly expressed his concern for Starc’s well-being.
Just five overs following Carey’s dismissal, Lyon offered an easy catch to K.L. Rahul at third slip, which allowed Rana to claim his second wicket, marking a memorable debut in Test cricket.
After winning the toss and electing to bat on the first day, India concluded their innings at 150, bolstered by some resilient middle-order batting that rose from a challenging 73-6. Notable contributions came from Rishabh Pant (37) and debutant Nitesh Kumar Reddy (41), who built a crucial 48-run partnership.
With the bowling attack led by Hazlewood, who took 4-29, and support from Starc, Mitchell Marsh, and captain Pat Cummins—each taking two wickets—India found itself in a strong position. The competitive nature of this match reflects the standings, with Australia and India occupying the top spots in the World Test Championship.