India completed a stunning 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test at Optus Stadium, taking control of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in emphatic fashion. Despite some resistance from Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, the result was largely decided by tea on day four, with India sealing the win after Harshit Rana dismissed Alex Carey, drawing first blood in the five-match series.
India's victory was built on exceptional contributions from Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed eight wickets in the match, and brilliant centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) and Virat Kohli (100*). Bumrah, stepping in as captain in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, played a crucial role in the turnaround, leading from the front with a mesmerizing spell on day one to help India recover after they were bowled out for just 150.
Coach Gautam Gambhir's strategic decisions, including dropping veteran spinners R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, paid off as India showed resilience despite being under pressure. Australia's bowling attack faltered in India's second innings, with captain Pat Cummins unable to match his usual standards, finishing the match with modest figures of 3 for 153. Australia also struggled with adapting to a changing pitch, which became increasingly challenging on day four as cracks widened and caused unpredictable bounce.
Australia, resuming at 12 for 3 on day four, had slim hopes of chasing down a target of 534. After dismissals of Usman Khawaja and Steven Smith, Australia’s top-order failed to deliver, leaving the middle order to try and salvage some pride. Head counterattacked aggressively, but was dismissed for 89 by Bumrah, while Marsh's resistance ended on 47 when he was bowled by debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy.
With further wickets falling quickly, including Mitchell Starc caught sharply at short leg off Washington Sundar, India wrapped up a memorable win. Australia's top order, particularly Marnus Labuschagne, who struggled with just 5 runs across both innings, will face intense scrutiny after the team's underwhelming performance. India's dominant victory sets the tone for the series and puts Australia under pressure ahead of the second Test.
Updated on 25th November, 2024 by MyFortune11 Team