The opening day of the first Test between Australia and India at Perth Stadium was a gripping affair, defined by two stunning bowling performances that kept fans on the edge of their seats. At stumps, Australia found themselves in deep trouble at 67/7, trailing India’s modest first-innings total of 150 all out by 83 runs. Jasprit Bumrah led the charge with a masterclass in pace bowling, leaving the hosts reeling.

Morning Session: A Nightmare Start for India

India’s decision to bat after winning the toss seemed bold but quickly turned disastrous. Australia’s pacers struck early, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal dismissed for ducks, leaving the visitors at 14/2. Virat Kohli (7) attempted to counterattack by standing outside his crease, but Josh Hazlewood’s extra bounce proved too much, sending Kohli back as India slumped to 32/3.

KL Rahul (26) and Rishabh Pant (37) offered resistance, but the relentless Australian attack, led by Hazlewood’s 4/29, never let the pressure ease. Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy provided a valiant 41, but his innings ended after a sensational gully catch by Labuschagne and McSweeney. The Indian innings wrapped up quickly, with Mitch Marsh chipping in with 2/12 in a spell that showed his value in filling Cameron Green’s role.

Afternoon Session: Bumrah Strikes Back

If Australia hoped to build a commanding lead, Jasprit Bumrah had other plans. Leading from the front, Bumrah delivered a spell of controlled aggression, capturing 4/17 in 10 overs. His pitch map (see graphic below) highlights his pinpoint accuracy, with 52.5% of his deliveries landing in the good-length region, consistently troubling Australia’s batters.

Bumrah’s scalps included Steve Smith for a golden duck and Labuschagne, who crawled to 2 runs off 52 balls before being trapped lbw. Harshit Rana, on debut, made an immediate impact by bowling Travis Head for 11, while Mohammed Siraj’s 2/17 further dented Australia’s hopes.

Evening Session: India Tightens the Screws

The final session saw Australia’s lower order under immense pressure. Bumrah continued to shine, dismissing captain Pat Cummins with a sharp delivery, while Alex Carey (19*) and Mitchell Starc (6*) managed to hold on until stumps. With the score at 67/7, Australia’s hopes of closing the deficit rest on their tailenders.

The bowling performance by India was exceptional, with Bumrah’s effort placing him among the all-time greats. His average of 20.17 in Test cricket (minimum 150 wickets) is now second only to Sydney Barnes, underscoring his world-class ability.

Day 1 Summary

India 1st Innings: 150 all out (Pant 37, Reddy 41, Hazlewood 4/29)
Australia 1st Innings: 67/7 (Bumrah 4/17, Siraj 2/17)

Key Performers

Jasprit Bumrah: 10 overs, 4/17, economy 1.70
Josh Hazlewood: 4/29 in India’s innings
Nitish Kumar Reddy: A fighting 41 on debut

What’s Next?

Australia’s tail faces a daunting task of narrowing the deficit when play resumes on Day 2. For India, a quick finish could open the door to securing a commanding position in this match. The second day promises to deliver yet more high drama in what is already shaping up to be a classic contest.