Perth: India registered a historic 295-run win over Australia in the first Test at the Optus Stadium, completing the match with more than a day to spare. This triumph stands as India’s third-largest Test victory on foreign soil, following their 318-run win over the West Indies in 2019 and the 304-run victory over Sri Lanka in 2017.
Unlike those matches, this win in Perth came with an extraordinary comeback. After being bowled out for just 150 runs in their first innings, India rallied with a dominant performance to turn the tables on the hosts.
In the history of Test cricket, only one team—West Indies in 1991—has secured a bigger victory margin (343 runs) after being dismissed for 150 or fewer in the first innings.
Bumrah Shines as Stand-In Captain
Leading the side in Rohit Sharma’s absence, Jasprit Bumrah played a pivotal role in the victory. On Day 4, with Australia still hoping for a miracle, Bumrah removed the aggressive Travis Head, who was looking dangerous with a counterattacking knock of 89 off 101 balls.
Head’s dismissal came off a back-of-length delivery that he edged to the keeper, following a bouncer that had pushed him back in the crease. The dismissal dashed Australia’s slim hopes of staging a fightback.
Bumrah finished the match with figures of 8/72 and was rightfully named Player of the Match. His performance further cemented his reputation as one of India’s finest fast bowlers, with 40 wickets in just eight Tests in Australia at an average of 18.80.
Support Cast Steps Up
While Bumrah spearheaded the attack, Mohammed Siraj delivered a vital performance with figures of 3/51 in the second innings. The remaining wickets were shared among the other bowlers, ensuring Australia were bowled out just after tea on Day 4.
The Indian bowlers faced some resistance from Travis Head and the Australian tail, but the collective effort ensured India’s dominance remained unchallenged.
Focus Shifts to Adelaide
India’s performance will receive a boost with the return of regular captain Rohit Sharma and in-form opener Shubman Gill for the second Test in Adelaide, starting December 6. While India’s bowling lineup may remain unchanged, the batting unit is set to be bolstered.
Australia, on the other hand, will need significant introspection following the heavy loss. Captain Pat Cummins will aim to regroup his team and avoid panic ahead of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide.
Bumrah’s Message to the Team
Despite the emphatic win, Bumrah urged his teammates to stay grounded. “You can take the confidence from here, but again you have to start from zero. Build on this confidence and take learnings from this game,” he said.
Preparations Continue in Canberra
Before heading to Adelaide, India will play a two-day day-night practice game in Canberra starting November 30. While most top bowlers might skip the match to rest, the game will offer an opportunity for the batting lineup to find rhythm.
India’s stunning win in Perth has set the tone for the Border-Gavaskar series, with both teams gearing up for what promises to be an exciting contest in Adelaide.
