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

The opening day of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy began with fireworks as seam-friendly conditions at Perth Stadium produced a staggering 17 wickets, setting the tone for a gripping Test match. India, opting to bat first, managed 150 runs, while Australia stumbled to 67/7 at stumps, trailing by 83 runs.

India: 150 all out (49.4 overs; R Pant 37, N Reddy 41; J Hazlewood 4-29, M Starc 2-14)
Australia: 67/7 (27 overs; A Carey 19*, U Khawaja 8; J Bumrah 4-17, M Siraj 2-17)

Day 1: Stumps – Australia trail by 83 runs

India’s Innings: Grit Amidst Carnage

India’s decision to bat first quickly turned challenging on a surface with exaggerated seam movement, the likes of which have rarely been seen. Josh Hazlewood led Australia’s bowling attack with a devastating 4-wicket haul, backed by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, who picked up crucial wickets.

India’s top-order collapsed under relentless pressure, with KL Rahul (26) and Rishabh Pant (37) showing some resistance. Debutant Nitish Reddy impressed with a counterattacking 41, including a vital 48-run stand with Pant for the seventh wicket. Their partnership dragged India from a precarious 73/6 to a more respectable 150 before the innings folded in the 50th over.

Australia’s Collapse: Bumrah Breathes Fire

India's bowling attack, led by captain Jasprit Bumrah, proved lethal in reply. Bumrah dismantled Australia's top order, claiming 4/17 in 10 overs, including the wickets of Usman Khawaja (8) and Steven Smith (0). Mohammed Siraj (2/17) and Harshit Rana (1/33) provided excellent support as Australia’s batters faltered against precise seam and swing bowling.

Notable Australian batters like Marnus Labuschagne (2 off 52) and Travis Head (11 off 13) fell cheaply, highlighting the challenges of surviving on this treacherous pitch. At stumps, Alex Carey (19*) and Mitchell Starc (6*) were at the crease, attempting to steady a sinking ship.

A Record-Breaking Day for Seam Bowlers

The day saw historic levels of seam movement, with the average deviation recorded at 0.793 degrees—the most in Australia since 1952. With a combined batting average of just 10.64 for the day, the conditions heavily favored the bowlers. Comparisons were drawn to the infamous Brisbane Test between Australia and South Africa in 2022, a match known for extreme seam-friendly conditions.

As Day 2 approaches, all eyes will be on India's bowlers to finish off Australia’s innings and extend their lead. Conversely, Australia will hope their lower order can scrape together crucial runs in what promises to be a thrilling contest dominated by seam bowling.

Stay tuned for more updates from Perth as the battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy continues!