A scintillating opening spell by Jasprit Bumrah reduced Australia to 67/7 at stumps on Day 1 of the first Test at Optus Stadium, with the hosts trailing India’s modest total of 150 by 83 runs on Friday.Bumrah’s fiery pace and pinpoint accuracy rattled the Australian top order, setting up a strong position for India as the first day’s play ended in their favour.
Australia's innings began under intense pressure as Bumrah, alongside Mohammed Siraj and debutant Harshit Rana, kept the hosts on the back foot throughout the day.Bumrah's clinical performance included the wickets of Usman Khawaja (8), Steve Smith (0), and Nathan McSweeney (10), reducing Australia to a precarious 19/3 early in their innings. His fiery spell at the top of the order left Australia struggling to recover.
Siraj was equally impressive, making full use of the conditions to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne (2 off 52). His disciplined bowling ensured Australia’s struggles continued, while Rana, making his debut, struck a huge blow by dismissing Head, sending the Australian batter back to the pavilion after a well-executed delivery.
Despite some resistance from Alex Carey (19*) and Mitchell Starc (6*), who held on through the final session, Australia’s batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure from India’s pacers.The visitors are now in a dominant position, with only the tailenders standing between them and a complete collapse.
Earlier in the day, India’s innings was curtailed for 150, with Australia’s seam attack—led by Josh Hazlewood (4/29) and Mitchell Starc (2/14), capitalising on the conditions.The Indian openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal, both fell for ducks, and Virat Kohli (5) and KL Rahul (26) were dismissed cheaply as well. Rishabh Pant’s 37 and Nitish Reddy’s 41 provided some resistance, but the Australian bowlers ensured India was all out in just 49.4 overs.
The Indian batsmen struggled to cope with the movement and bounce offered by the Optus Stadium pitch, with only Pant and Reddy showing the necessary resilience to fight back. However, Australia’s disciplined bowling attack ensured they kept India’s total well below expectations.
With Australia facing a significant deficit, India will be looking to wrap up the Australian innings quickly on Day 2 and consolidate their advantage. Australia, on the other hand, will need a miraculous recovery from their lower order to avoid an even bigger deficit as the Test match unfolds. (UNI)
Brief Scores - Day 1
India 150 all out (49.4 overs) – Rishabh Pant 37, Nitish Reddy 41, Josh Hazlewood 4/29, Mitchell Starc 2/14; Australia 67/7 (27 overs) – Alex Carey 19*, Jasprit Bumrah 4/17, Mohammed Siraj 2/17, Harshit Rana 1/33
