Image credits: BCCI
The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy began with a bang at Perth’s Optus Stadium, delivering one of the most dramatic opening days in Test cricket history. Seventeen wickets fell as pacers from both sides exploited the lively pitch, leaving batters grappling for survival. The spectacle, witnessed by a packed stadium, etched its place in history as the first time since 1952 that 17 wickets—exclusively by pacers—fell on the opening day of a Test in Australia.
India’s Gamble at the Toss
India’s stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah surprised many by electing to bat on a spicy, bouncy pitch. The decision quickly backfired as Australia’s lethal pace trio—Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc—ripped through India’s batting lineup. The top order, expected to see off the new ball, faltered under relentless pressure.
A Wobbly Start
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) and debutant Devdutt Padikkal (0) succumbed early.
- Virat Kohli (5) continued his lean patch, while KL Rahul’s gritty 26 ended controversially.
- By lunch, India teetered at 51/4, with the Australian pacers dictating terms.
Relentless Aussie Attack
The trio of Hazlewood, Cummins, and Starc bowled with precision, utilizing the extra bounce and movement to dismantle India. Hazlewood led the charge, returning figures of 4/29 from 13 overs, while Starc, Cummins, and Mitchell Marsh chipped in with two wickets each. Their immaculate line and length left India’s batters caught in the corridor of uncertainty, unable to decide whether to play on the front or back foot.
India’s Counter-Attack
Amid the chaos, Rishabh Pant (37) and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) injected some life into India’s innings. Playing fearlessly, Pant mixed aggression with caution, countering the Aussie pacers effectively. Reddy, showcasing composure on debut, added vital lower-order runs, helping India reach 150 in just under 50 overs.
Boom Boom Bumrah Strikes Back
After India’s disappointing batting performance, skipper Jasprit Bumrah wasted no time in delivering a fiery opening spell.
- He trapped debutant Nathan McSweeney LBW in the third over.
- Bumrah then dismissed Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith off successive deliveries, leaving Australia reeling.
Bumrah’s precision and pace dismantled Australia’s top order, and he returned later to dismiss Australian skipper Pat Cummins, finishing with sensational figures of 4/17. His spell set the tone for India’s fightback, showcasing why he remains one of the premier fast bowlers in the world.
Rana’s Memorable Debut
The spotlight also shone on India’s debutant Harshit Rana, who justified his selection with an impressive performance.
- Rana’s delivery to dismiss Travis Head was a peach, angling in and cutting through Head’s defense to crash into the stumps.
- He bowled with heart and discipline, providing crucial support to Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Rana ended the day with figures of 1/33 from eight overs, a promising start to his Test career.
Australia’s Wobbly Reply
Australia’s batting lineup, expected to capitalize on India’s modest total, crumbled under the pressure of India’s pace attack. By stumps, they had slumped to 67/7, still trailing by 83 runs.
- Mohammed Siraj complemented Bumrah with two key wickets.
- Debutant Rana added pressure from the other end, ensuring no respite for the Australian batters.
The Spicy Perth Pitch
The pacy and bouncy Perth surface played a pivotal role, exposing the batters’ vulnerabilities. Both teams’ pace attacks thrived in these conditions, ensuring an enthralling contest for fans.
What Lies Ahead?
Day 1 set the stage for a fascinating Test match. With Australia’s tail struggling to resist India’s pacers and the pitch showing no signs of easing, the match promises to remain a battle of attrition. As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins, one thing is certain: this series opener in Perth is already one for the ages.
