AUS vs IND 1st Test Highlights | Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

India began their 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign with an emphatic 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test at Perth Stadium. Outstanding performances from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and skipper Jasprit Bumrah set the stage for one of India’s most comprehensive overseas victories.

The final over of the day, the perfect finish for India #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Pci4mZdEpW

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 24, 2024

Day 1: Seamers Rule, 17 Wickets Fall

The 1st Test between India and Australia began under overcast skies at Perth Stadium, with India winning the toss and opting to bat on a green, seam-friendly wicket. The decision backfired as Australia's pacers wreaked havoc. Josh Hazlewood led the attack with 4/29, dismissing key batters KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, and Virat Kohli cheaply. India slumped to 150 all out, with Nitish Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37) offering the only resistance. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins also contributed with two wickets apiece.

In response, Jasprit Bumrah bowled one of the most fiery opening spells in recent memory, dismissing Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith cheaply. Supported by Mohammed Siraj (2/17) and debutant Harshit Rana (3/48), Bumrah skittled Australia for 104, giving India a slender but vital 46-run lead. By the end of a dramatic opening day, the tone of the match was set, with the seamers enjoying unparalleled dominance on a spicy Perth wicket.

Day 2: Indian Openers Shine

Day 2 witnessed a stunning turnaround in conditions, with the pitch flattening out under the Australian sun. India’s opening pair, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, capitalized on the improved conditions, producing a masterclass in batting. The duo batted through two sessions with incredible patience and discipline. Rahul (77 off 176) was the first to fall, dismissed by Mitchell Starc, but not before setting a solid platform for India.

Jaiswal continued his impressive innings, reaching a brilliant 161 before being caught off Mitchell Marsh. His innings, which included 15 boundaries and 3 sixes, displayed remarkable maturity for a young opener. Virat Kohli, walking in at number four, played a steady hand, finishing the day unbeaten on 87. India closed Day 2 at a commanding 275/2, with a lead of 321 runs and Australia staring at an uphill task.

Day 3: Kohli’s Ton and Bumrah Strikes Early

Virat Kohli took center stage on Day 3, notching up his first Test century in 16 innings. His unbeaten 100, crafted with elegance and patience, further established India’s dominance. Kohli found valuable support in Washington Sundar (29) and Nitish Reddy, who chipped in with a quickfire 38*. India declared their second innings at 487/6, setting Australia a daunting target of 522 runs.

Australia’s second innings began disastrously. Jasprit Bumrah struck in the very first over, trapping Nathan McSweeney LBW for a duck. Mohammed Siraj removed Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne to leave Australia reeling at 12/3 by stumps. The Indian bowlers exploited the variable bounce and angles effectively, leaving Australia with little hope of survival on Day 4.

Day 4: Resistance and Collapse

The final day began with Australia facing a monumental task of chasing 522 runs or surviving two full days against a relentless Indian bowling attack. Travis Head (89 off 101) provided a glimmer of hope with an aggressive knock, supported by Mitchell Marsh (47 off 67). The duo stitched a 91-run stand, but their efforts were undone as Bumrah and Washington Sundar struck at regular intervals.

Bumrah finished with figures of 3/55, adding another stellar performance to his captaincy debut. Sundar and Siraj also picked up crucial wickets, as Australia folded for 238 in 58.4 overs. Alex Carey (36) tried to rally the tail, but the target proved insurmountable. India’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, with fielders backing them up brilliantly. The 295-run win marked a comprehensive display of dominance, highlighting India’s growing prowess in overseas conditions.

Milestones of the Match

• Yashasvi Jaiswal: A magnificent 161 marked his first major overseas knock.
• Virat Kohli: Kohli’s 100* was his seventh century in Australia, further solidifying his legacy in the country.
• Jasprit Bumrah: Led from the front with a total of 8 wickets in the match, including a match-turning first-innings five-for.

Scorecard Summary

India vs Australia, 1st Test
Perth Stadium, Perth - 26 November 2024

India 1st Innings: 150 all out (49.4 overs; R Pant 37, N Reddy 41; J Hazlewood 4/29, M Starc 2/14)
Australia 1st Innings: 104 all out (51.2 overs; A Carey 21, M Starc 26; J Bumrah 5/30, H Rana 3/48)
India 2nd Innings: 487/6 declared (134.3 overs; Y Jaiswal 161, V Kohli 100*; M Starc 1/100, N Lyon 2/59)
Australia 2nd Innings: 238 all out (56.2 overs; T Head 89, M Marsh 47; J Bumrah 3/55, M Siraj 3/51)

Result: India won by 295 runs

Post-Match Reflections

India captain Jasprit Bumrah lauded his team’s all-round effort, emphasizing their adaptability to tough conditions. Australia captain Pat Cummins admitted his team’s failure to handle the Indian bowlers and promised a stronger comeback in the second Test.

There was no Rohit Sharma to provide his authoritative presence at the top of the order, no Shubman Gill to play his stylish strokes, no Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin to control the middle overs with spin, and no Mohammed Shami to spearhead the pace attack alongside Jasprit Bumrah. Yet, this young and relatively inexperienced Indian team stepped up to the challenge on one of the most challenging surfaces in world cricket.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s magnificent 161 showcased the promise of India’s next generation, while Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana made memorable contributions on debut. Virat Kohli’s century was a reminder of his unmatched class and determination, and Jasprit Bumrah proved why he is not only one of the best bowlers in the world but also a capable leader.

This win reflects India’s remarkable bench strength and their ability to overcome adversity a quality that has defined their greatest Test victories. It wasn’t just a match; it was a statement to the cricketing world that India’s depth and resilience can conquer any challenge, no matter the conditions or the opposition.

The 295-run victory sets the tone for what promises to be an intense Border-Gavaskar series. India’s ability to perform in tough overseas conditions underlines their growing dominance in world cricket.