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Virat Kohli announced his resurgence in style, smashing an unbeaten century in the first Test of the 2024-2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. His knock was pivotal in India’s commanding victory over Australia, a win that dismantled early predictions of a one-sided series. While Kohli’s heroics were celebrated by Indian fans, the performance left Australian cricket legends, including Allan Border and Matthew Hayden, questioning captain Pat Cummins’ tactics.
Kohli’s Masterclass in Perth
After a lean run in the New Zealand series, where he scored just 93 runs in three Tests, Kohli entered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy under significant pressure. He faltered in the first innings, dismissed cheaply on a challenging Perth pitch. However, the second innings saw a reinvigorated Kohli, who capitalized on more favorable conditions to score his 30th Test century, extending his formidable record in Australia. His unbeaten knock also marked his seventh Test hundred on Australian soil, solidifying his reputation as a master of these conditions.
Kohli’s performance helped India set an imposing target of 534 runs for Australia, which proved insurmountable. The Indian team’s dominant showing has set the tone for the series, shattering pre-series predictions of an Australian whitewash.
Allan Border’s Criticism of Pat Cummins
Former Australian captain Allan Border did not hold back in his criticism of Pat Cummins’ leadership, particularly his handling of Kohli. Speaking on SEN Radio, Border voiced frustration over Australia’s inability to apply sustained pressure on the Indian star.
“I was really disappointed in the way we let Kohli roll on to a hundred without much resistance,” Border said. “We don’t want this guy full of confidence for the rest of the series.”
Border’s concerns are well-founded. A confident Kohli is a nightmare for any opposition, especially in Australian conditions where he has historically thrived. His authoritative performance in the first Test could prove to be a significant hurdle for Australia as they aim to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Matthew Hayden Questions Cummins’ Strategies
Australian batting legend Matthew Hayden echoed Border’s sentiments, highlighting several strategic missteps by Cummins during Kohli’s innings. Speaking to Channel 7, Hayden criticized Australia’s field placements and their inability to capitalize on Kohli’s early vulnerability.
“They missed a few tricks with Virat Kohli in the early part of his innings,” Hayden remarked. “You can’t cut a sucker an even break when a bloke is under pressure as he was. The field placements made it too easy for him to get off strike early.”
Hayden also pointed out delays in employing a short-ball strategy against Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a scintillating 161. “Jaiswal looked vulnerable against it. Maybe tiny things with Pat Cummins — the ability to think through these decisions — they were shell-shocked from the average batting performance in the first innings,” Hayden added.
India’s Dominance Alters Series Narrative
India’s convincing victory has not only defied expectations but also created historical pressure for Australia. Not since 1997 have Australia won a Test series after losing the opening match. The team’s inability to contain Kohli and Jaiswal, coupled with their own batting frailties, has shifted momentum firmly in India’s favor as the teams head to Adelaide for the second Test.
India’s triumph is also a continuation of their dominance over Australia in recent years. Having won four consecutive Border-Gavaskar series, including two on Australian soil, India has firmly established itself as a formidable force in Test cricket.
Looking Ahead
Pat Cummins and the Australian team now face an uphill battle to regroup and challenge India’s momentum. For Cummins, addressing the tactical errors highlighted by Border and Hayden will be crucial. Meanwhile, Kohli’s resurgence poses a growing threat to Australia’s aspirations. If the first Test is any indication, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a fiercely contested series, with India holding the upper hand.
