India secured a monumental 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth on Monday, establishing a dominant 1-0 lead in the five-match series. This victory stands as one of India’s largest margins of victory outside Asia, reflecting a stellar all-around performance by the team.
Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, who was named Player of the Match for his eight-wicket haul, expressed immense pride in the team’s effort. Reflecting on the match, Bumrah acknowledged the pressure they faced in the first innings but praised the players’ resilience and determination.
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“Very happy with the beginning. We were put under pressure in the first innings, but the way we responded after that – very proud,” Bumrah remarked. Drawing on his prior experience in Perth, he noted the unique nature of the wicket: “The wicket is a little soft initially and then it gets quicker. This one was less spicy than the last time we played here.”
Bumrah attributed the team’s success to preparation and self-belief. “We were really well prepared. I told everyone to have faith in their process and abilities. On a given day, experience does matter, but faith allows you to do something special,” he added.
Bumrah also highlighted individual contributions, particularly from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. Jaiswal’s marathon 161-run innings, he noted, was a testament to his growing maturity in Test cricket. “This was probably his best Test innings. He left the ball well, showing great discipline despite his attacking nature,” Bumrah said.
On Kohli, who scored an unbeaten century, Bumrah remarked, “I never saw him out of form. On challenging wickets, judging form is tough. But he was always looking good in the nets.”
The captain also expressed gratitude to the crowd, whose support he credited with adding to the team’s motivation and enjoyment.
India’s performance throughout the match was a blend of grit and skill. Winning the toss, India opted to bat first but managed only 150 runs in their first innings. Notable contributions came from Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37). Australia’s Josh Hazlewood shone with figures of 4/29, supported by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, and Mitchell Starc.
India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah (5/30), retaliated strongly, dismissing Australia for 104, with debutant Harshit Rana claiming 3/48. This gave India a slender lead of 46 runs.
In the second innings, India displayed remarkable batting depth. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 161, supported by KL Rahul (77) and Virat Kohli (100*), helped India declare at 487/6, setting a monumental target of 534 for Australia.
Australia’s response faltered from the outset. At the end of Day 3, they were reeling at 12/3, courtesy of Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. On Day 4, Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47) offered some resistance, but the Indian bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Bumrah and Siraj both claimed three wickets, while Washington Sundar and Rana contributed with crucial breakthroughs.
The final dismissal saw Harshit Rana clean bowl Alex Carey, sealing the historic victory. Australia was bowled out for 238, falling far short of the target.