Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar performance led India to a commanding 295-run victory over Australia in the opening Test at Perth Stadium on Monday. The win gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
India’s pacers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, claimed three wickets each as Australia folded for 238 after tea on day four. Harshit Rana sealed the win by clean-bowling Alex Carey for 36.
This marked a historic defeat for the hosts, who haven’t overturned an opening-Test loss in a home series since 1968, when they beat West Indies.
“Fairly disappointing,” said Australian captain Pat Cummins. “Not much went right. We didn’t give ourselves a chance in several areas, which we need to address.”
India Dominance Despite Early Setback
After opting to bat on a challenging surface, India was dismissed for 150 on the first day. However, Bumrah’s five-wicket haul helped bundle out Australia for 104, setting the stage for a strong comeback.
In the second innings, Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed centuries, propelling India to 487-6 declared. The hosts faced a daunting target of 534.
Australia Struggles on Day Four
Australia resumed day four at 12-3 and quickly lost Usman Khawaja for four. The opener mistimed a shot off Siraj (3-51), giving wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant an easy catch.
Harshit Rana (1-69) bowled with pace and intensity, troubling the batters. He temporarily sidelined Steve Smith with a rib-tickling delivery and unsettled Travis Head with sharp bouncers. Smith, batting at his preferred number four position, edged Siraj to Pant for 17.
Travis Head fought valiantly, striking boundaries at will during his 89-run knock. However, he fell short of a century when Bumrah (3-42) induced an edge to Pant. Bumrah’s eight-wicket haul across both innings earned him the Player of the Match award.
“I’m proud of the team’s response after the first-innings pressure,” Bumrah said. “This wicket was less challenging than the last one here, but our preparation paid off. I told the team to trust their abilities and seize the opportunity to achieve something special.”
Lower Order Resists Briefly
Mitchell Marsh contributed 47 runs before debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy dismissed him with a sharp delivery. Dhrev Jurel showcased quick reflexes to catch Mitchell Starc (12) off Washington Sundar (2-48). India wrapped up the innings soon after tea.
With Rohit Sharma absent to celebrate the birth of his second child, Bumrah’s leadership shone through. The visitors now head into the second Test with momentum firmly on their side.
