PERTH, Australia – India is just five wickets away from securing a resounding victory in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with Australia struggling at 104/5 by lunch on Day 4. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was instrumental in pushing India towards the win, taking two crucial wickets in the morning session.
Siraj Leads India’s Charge
Starting the day with Australia at a precarious 12/3, Siraj struck early, dismissing Usman Khawaja in his fourth ball. Khawaja top-edged a delivery that wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant caught while running back, leaving Australia at 17/4. Siraj later returned to remove Steve Smith, breaking a resilient 62-run partnership with Travis Head for the fifth wicket. Smith edged a low catch to Pant, departing for 17.
By lunch, Siraj had impressive figures of 3/34, while Jasprit Bumrah, who had demolished Australia’s batting in the first innings with 5/30, added two more scalps to his tally, standing at 2/26.
Head Stages a Lone Resistance
Travis Head fought valiantly to keep Australia’s hopes alive. His aggressive half-century came off just 63 balls, featuring six boundaries. Head remained unbeaten on 63 at lunch, joined by Mitchell Marsh, who was on five. The duo faces a daunting challenge, with Australia needing to survive 165 overs across five sessions to deny India a 1-0 lead in the series.
India’s Dominant Position
India’s commanding performance in the Test began with a superb second innings effort. Yashasvi Jaiswal laid the foundation with a majestic century, supported by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100. India declared their innings at 487/6, setting Australia a seemingly impossible target of 534 runs on a deteriorating Perth Stadium pitch.
Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery bowling had skittled Australia for 104 in their first innings, giving India a 46-run lead despite being bowled out for 150 on the opening day, which saw an incredible 17 wickets fall.
History Beckons for India
A victory in Perth would mark only India’s second Test win in the city, the first being a 72-run triumph at the WACA in January 2008. It would also be their 10th win in 53 Tests on Australian soil.
The Road Ahead
As the match resumes post-lunch, Australia faces a near-impossible task on a deteriorating pitch against India’s relentless bowling attack. With five wickets remaining, India is on the brink of a memorable victory to kick off the Border-Gavaskar series.
