Australia hit a historic low in Test cricket after India’s pace attack dismantled their batting lineup on Day 2 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth. The much-anticipated clash between two Test giants has delivered thrilling moments, with India turning the game around dramatically. After being bowled out for just 150 on Day 1, India’s fast bowlers, led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, mounted a remarkable comeback to bowl out Australia for a mere 104. This gave India a crucial 46-run lead, despite a late 25-run partnership between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. India’s pacers shine as Australia hits a historic low in the record books during the Perth Test.
Australia’s 104 marked their lowest first-innings total against India in Tests and their fourth-lowest score overall against the same opposition. Previously, their lowest first-innings total was 107, recorded in Sydney in 1947. Since 2000, this is also Australia’s third-lowest score at home, with their infamous 85 against South Africa in Hobart in 2016 still standing as the worst. India’s pacers shine as Australia hits a historic low in the record books during the Perth Test.
India’s bowlers, spearheaded by Bumrah and ably supported by Mohammed Siraj and debutant Harshit Rana, delivered a sensational display of pace and precision. In the opening hour of Day 2, Bumrah’s fiery spell rattled Australia, beginning with the dismissal of the in-form Alex Carey. Using the bounce from the Perth pitch, Bumrah induced a thick edge from Carey, marking his 11th five-wicket haul in Tests. Remarkably, this was Bumrah’s seventh five-fer in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries, equaling the legendary Kapil Dev’s record for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler in these nations.
Bumrah’s standout performance saw him bowl 18 overs, conceding just 30 runs at an economy rate of 1.67. His scalps included key players Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Alex Carey, and Australian skipper Pat Cummins. Bumrah’s consistency in challenging conditions was evident, as he brought his SENA tally to 118 wickets in 27 Tests, averaging 22.55, with a personal best of 6/33.India’s pacers shine as Australia hits a historic low in the record books during the Perth Test.
India’s bowlers ensured Australia never gained momentum, reversing the early advantage the hosts had after India’s batting collapse. This performance underscores Bumrah’s leadership and the depth of India’s pace attack, setting the tone for an exciting Test series. While Australia faces questions about their batting vulnerability, India’s resilience and bowling brilliance have reignited the contest, promising more enthralling cricket in the days to come.
