Perth
India stunned Australia with a commanding 295-run victory in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Monday, one of their biggest wins outside Asia. This victory ranks as India’s second-largest against Australia, only behind their 320-run triumph in Mohali in 2008.
Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer, taking eight wickets, including a crucial five-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings. Australia was bowled out for just 104 runs, with Bumrah and debutant Harshit Rana (3/48) wreaking havoc. India’s first innings was disappointing, with only Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37) providing resistance, leaving India at 150 all out.
In their second innings, India built a massive lead, thanks to a 201-run opening stand between KL Rahul (77) and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made a brilliant 161. India’s score swelled to 487/6, giving them a huge 533-run lead, and setting Australia a daunting target of 534 runs.
Australia’s reply crumbled as Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj (3/40) took control. Despite a fighting 63 from Travis Head, India’s bowlers kept breaking partnerships. Siraj dismissed key players, including Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith. Australia was eventually bowled out for 227, with Rana claiming the final wicket to seal India’s victory.
This victory is India’s first win in a Test series opener in Australia since their historic 2018 win in Adelaide, giving them a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
