India will resume their second innings on Day 3 of the first Test at their overnight score of 172 without loss against Australia. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (90) and KL Rahul (62) are expected to build on their strong starts and consolidate their positions further.
Earlier, Australia endured a historic low as India’s pace attack dismantled the hosts on Day 2 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth. The much-anticipated clash between two modern Test giants has delivered thrilling action in all aspects so far. On Day 1, India was bowled out for 150, seemingly giving Australia the upper hand. However, India’s pacers, led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, turned the game around, restricting Australia to just 104.
India’s remarkable bowling effort ensured a crucial 46-run lead, bolstered by a late 25-run partnership between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Australia’s total of 104 is now their lowest first-innings score and the fourth-lowest overall against India in Test cricket. The previous lowest first-innings total was 107, recorded in Sydney in 1947.
Since 2000, this is also Australia’s third-lowest total at home, with their worst being 85 against South Africa in Hobart in 2016.
The pace trio of Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and debutant Harshit Rana delivered a masterclass, maintaining relentless pressure on Australia. Bumrah, in particular, was sensational in the first session of Day 2. He dismissed the in-form Alex Carey with a sharp delivery that induced a thick edge, claiming his 11th five-wicket haul in Tests. This was his seventh five-fer in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries, equaling Kapil Dev’s record for the most by an Indian bowler in these regions.
In the first innings, Bumrah bowled 18 overs, taking five wickets for just 30 runs at an impressive economy of 1.67. His scalps included Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Alex Carey, and Australian skipper Pat Cummins, underscoring his dominance. Bumrah now has 118 wickets in SENA countries at an average of 22.55, with his best figures being 6/33.
