Bumrah Shines as India Fights Back Against Australia in First Test

Sports Desk

PERTH, Nov. 23 – India bounced back spectacularly on the opening day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell put Australia on the back foot. Despite a poor batting performance, India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah, left Australia reeling at 67 for 7 at stumps, trailing by 83 runs with three wickets in hand.

Winning the toss, India opted to bat but crumbled to a mere 150 runs. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood tore through the Indian top order, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and debutant Devdutt Padikkal cheaply. Padikkal, replacing Shubman Gill, set an unwanted record as the longest stay at the crease for a duck by an Indian batter in Australia.

Captain KL Rahul, playing in place of Rohit Sharma, showed some resistance but was controversially dismissed on review, with replays inconclusive on whether the ball hit his bat or pad first. Virat Kohli managed just five runs, falling to Hazlewood’s sharp bounce. India reached lunch at 51 for 4, and the situation worsened post-lunch as Mitchell Marsh dismissed Dhruv Jurel and Washington Sundar in quick succession.

Rishabh Pant and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy added brief stability, but Pat Cummins ended their efforts, dismissing both batters. India’s innings folded swiftly, with the team failing to capitalize on starts.

Australia’s response was even more disastrous. Bumrah struck in his first four overs, dismissing Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja in consecutive deliveries. He followed it up with the prized wicket of Steve Smith, trapped lbw by a searing inswinger.

Harshit Rana, making his debut, joined the attack with a dream spell, clean-bowling Travis Head. Mohammed Siraj then accounted for Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh, reducing Australia to 47 for 6.

Bumrah returned to claim his fourth wicket, removing Pat Cummins just before the close of play. With Australia still trailing by 83 runs and only three wickets in hand, India stands a strong chance to take a crucial lead on the second day.