India achieved a brilliant victory in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, defeating Australia by a massive 295 runs in Perth on Monday. This remarkable triumph, marked by all-around brilliance and strategic dominance, now stands among India’s most significant victories outside Asia.
This victory is the second-largest margin of victory by runs for India against Australia, following the 320-run win in Mohali in 2008. It also ranks among India’s largest victories outside Asia, surpassed only by the 318-run win against the West Indies in North Sound in 2019. Other notable wins outside Asia include a 279-run triumph over England in Headingley in 1986 and a 257-run win against the West Indies in Kingston in 2019.
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This win marks only the second time India has won a Test series opener in Australia, the first being the historic Adelaide Test in 2018. For Australia, this loss highlights a rare defeat in the first Test of a home series in the 21st century. Previously, they suffered similar defeats against South Africa in Perth (2008, 2016) and India in Adelaide (2018).
India elected to bat after winning the toss but was bowled out for just 150 runs in their first innings. Contributions from Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37) provided some resistance, while Josh Hazlewood shone for Australia with figures of 4/29. Australia, however, fared worse, folding for 104 runs in their first innings, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the Indian bowling attack with 5/30.
In their second innings, India produced a stellar batting display, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring a brilliant 161, supported by KL Rahul’s 77. Virat Kohli added an unbeaten 100, while partnerships throughout the innings helped India set a daunting target of 534 for Australia. India declared their innings at 487/6, cementing their dominance.
Australia’s chase faltered from the start. At the end of Day 3, they were struggling at 12/3, with Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj wreaking havoc. Despite a valiant 89 from Travis Head and contributions from Steven Smith (17) and Mitchell Marsh (47), Australia was bowled out for 238 on Day 4. India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah and Siraj, each took three wickets in the second innings, with Washington Sundar and debutant Harshit Rana adding vital breakthroughs.
Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the standout player, claiming eight wickets across both innings, including a five-wicket haul in the first. Debutant Harshit Rana impressed with his 3/48 in the first innings and a crucial wicket in the second. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s marathon knock of 161 and Virat Kohli’s masterful century underscored India’s batting strength.
India’s dominant win gives them a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, setting a strong tone to build on during upcoming test matches.
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