In reply to India’s 150 in the first innings, Australia was dismissed cheaply for a modest total of 104 runs in the first Border – Gavaskar Test match at Perth. A slender lead of 46 runs will be handy for team India because of the terrific form of its fast bowlers spearheaded by captain Jasprit Bumrah.
Resuming the first innings at 67-7 on the second day, Australia was further dented by Bumrah’s incisive spell and the support of the fiery Mohammad Siraj and debutant Harshith Rana. At one stage, they will staring at the lowest total of all time with 79-9. Luckily, Starc and Hazlewood ensured that the hosts go past 100 runs with a decent partnership of 25 runs which reduced the deficit to less than 50.
Alex Carey fell for a stupendous away swinger from Bumrah who claimed his 11th fifer in tests as he scythed through the top order with an attacking line and length. While Siraj notched up two crucial wickets, Rana impressed with his three scalps on his debut outing.
With Australia’s disastrous batting show, the game has now turned on its head. The onus is now on the Indian batsman to ensure that they don’t flounder the opportunity to take lead in this prestigious test series down under. They will need minimum 250 runs to defend in the fourth innings against the formidable batting unit of Australia.