During Day 1 of the Perth Test, India’s stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah relied on Virat Kohli’s advice to successfully review an LBW decision against Australian batter Nathan McSweeney. After India posted a low total of 150 runs, Bumrah struck early, dismissing McSweeney for 10 runs. Initially, the on-field umpire ruled the batter not out, but Bumrah, unsure of the decision, considered using the DRS (Decision Review System). While wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was not fully convinced, Kohli, who has vast experience with DRS calls, encouraged Bumrah to take the review. The stump mic captured Bumrah’s words, “Close hai” (It’s close), signaling his uncertainty. Kohli’s prompt advice led Bumrah to proceed with the review, which showed three red lights, confirming the dismissal.Virat Kohli persuades Jasprit Bumrah to opt for DRS despite Rishabh Pant’s reservations.
India’s batting performance, however, was far from ideal. After a solid start from debutant Nitish Reddy, who scored 41, and some aggressive shots from Rishabh Pant, including a no-look six off Pat Cummins, India’s innings faltered. Despite a gritty partnership of 48 runs between Pant and Reddy, the rest of the Indian top order succumbed to the extra bounce and seam movement from Mitchell Starc (2/14) and Josh Hazlewood (4/29). India’s top order was quickly dismantled, with KL Rahul (26) and Virat Kohli (5) falling to the Australian pace attack.
Rahul showed some resistance but was dismissed controversially after being caught behind, while both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal failed to score, leaving India in a difficult position. Kohli, who had previously excelled in Australia, was undone by a short ball from Hazlewood, leaving him with a rare low score. His frustration was evident as he told Bumrah, “Pad pe lagi hai pehle, lele lele,” suggesting that the ball had first hit the pad, urging Bumrah to review the decision. Virat Kohli persuades Jasprit Bumrah to opt for DRS despite Rishabh Pant’s reservations.
Bumrah’s decision to take the review against McSweeney was pivotal in maintaining India’s momentum with the ball. His spell, combined with the DRS success, helped India build some pressure on the Australian batters after their early collapse. However, India’s low total of 150 runs raised questions about Bumrah’s decision to bat first on a green, bouncy pitch, which could have been more conducive to batting second. Despite the challenges, the Indian team showed resilience in the field, and Bumrah’s leadership and Kohli’s guidance were instrumental in the early breakthroughs.Virat Kohli persuades Jasprit Bumrah to opt for DRS despite Rishabh Pant’s reservations.
As the game progresses, India will need to capitalize on their bowling strength, while questions about their batting strategy on this pitch may linger. With both teams showing vulnerabilities, the Perth Test promises more intense competition in the coming days.
