Day 2 of the Australia-India Test in Perth saw intense action as Australia staged a fightback after an early blow in the morning session. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s stand-in captain, struck on the very first ball of the day, removing Alex Carey for 21. Bumrah’s sharp delivery, with seam and bounce, induced an edge that landed safely in Rishabh Pant’s gloves. This wicket marked Bumrah’s 11th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Harshit Rana complemented Bumrah’s efforts, dismissing Nathan Lyon to claim his second Test wicket. Despite these setbacks, Australia’s tailenders rallied. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood showed grit, frustrating the Indian bowlers as they chipped away at the deficit and guided Australia past the 100-run mark.
Earlier on Day 1, India’s batting struggled after electing to bat first on a lively Perth wicket. The Australian pacers dominated, with Josh Hazlewood leading the attack, claiming four wickets. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Marsh chipped in with two wickets each, bundling India out for 150. Rishabh Pant top-scored with 37, while debutant Nitish Reddy contributed crucial late runs.
India responded with a strong bowling performance. Bumrah set the tone, removing Nathan McSweeney and troubling Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped on zero by Virat Kohli. Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith in quick succession, while Harshit Rana delivered a beauty to clean bowl Travis Head. Mohammed Siraj struck twice, removing Mitchell Marsh and Labuschagne, while Bumrah claimed Pat Cummins to leave Australia trailing by 83 runs at stumps with three wickets in hand.
Nitish Reddy hit some meaty blows to get India to 150, but the Men in Blue were bowled out at that total owing to a relentless effort from the Aussie pacers.
The second day began with India pushing for a quick finish, but the resilience of Starc and Hazlewood has kept Australia in contention. As the Test progresses, both teams are locked in a battle of skill and determination, making for an exciting contest.
