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Border-Gavaskar Series: A Dramatic Start in Perth
PERTH, Australia (AP) — On the inaugural day of the Border-Gavaskar series, Australia found itself struggling at 67-7 in response to India’s modest total of 150 all out. The challenging pitch at Perth Stadium proved highly unpredictable, claiming a staggering 17 wickets as bowlers dominated. Indian captain and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was exceptional, taking 4 wickets for just 17 runs, while teammate Mohamed Siraj contributed with figures of 2-17 on a testing day for batsmen.
Aussie’s Chase Stumbles Early
As play resumes on Saturday, Australia’s hopes rest on left-handers Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc, who are set to return to the crease with scores of 19 and 6 runs respectively. This leaves them trailing India by a considerable 83 runs. Unseasonable rain during the week leading up to this Test created an unusually lush grass cover that complemented Perth’s traditional bounce.
Key Moments from India’s Bowling Attack
Bumrah kicked off his assault by ending Nathan McSweeney’s debut innings with an lbw decision after just ten balls faced. He continued his impressive spell by dismissing opener Usman Khawaja for merely eight runs and then following it up by bowling out Steve Smith without scoring—both were crucially taken within two deliveries; Khawaja was caught at second slip by Virat Kohli while Smith fell victim to another leg before wicket.
A brief glimmer of resistance came from Travis Head who prevented Bumrah from achieving a hat ‍trick but soon fell victim himself; bowled out after playing an indiscriminate shot when he had managed only eleven runs—a significant moment that granted debutant Harshit Rana his first test wicket.
A Rollercoaster Day for Batters
The situation worsened when Mitchell Marsh was dismissed cheaply as well; he was caught at third slip off Siraj’s bowling leaving Australia in dire straits early in their innings—mirroring India’s morning struggles after‍ winning the toss and opting to bat first. Marnus Labuschagne also endured a dreadful start as he edged Siraj—the second ball saw Kohli drop what should have been a straightforward catch only for Labuschagne to struggle thereafter and be trapped lbw after adding just two runs over the course of fifty-two deliveries.
Bumrah Shines Again Amidst Wickets Falling
The shadows lengthened towards evening sessions when Bumrah made yet another decisive entrance; dismissing his Australian counterpart Pat Cummins as he edged behind where Rishabh Pant took another catch behind stumps.
The Indian batting line-up faced difficulties early on against Australian seamers Josh Hazlewood (4-29), coupled with strong performances from Starc (2-24), Cummins (2-67) and Marsh (2-12). At one point during lunchtime breaks, India found themselves collapsing at an alarming rate of 73-6—a disheartening outcome that underscored their botched decision-making regarding batting order went vindicated by Australia’s sharp bowling attacks.
However, it should be noted that Pant stood resolute amidst turmoil scoring a crucial contribution alongside newcomer Nitish Kumar Reddy who shone brightest batting through adversity making notable boundaries including six fours along with six off Nathan Lyon that helped redeem some pride. {trans}.
Earlier setbacks included opening batsmen Jaiswal (0) falling immediately joined shortly thereafter were Rahul (26), Padikkal (0) followed closely followed being star player Kohli’s succumbing quickly too—which marred India’s chances ahead heading into lunch ponderously standing still composing dirge-like performance.
This match sees Australia sitting atop alongside India vying fiercely between ranks showing potential clashes unfolding throughout World Test Championship standings but going forward only time will tell how further dynamics will unfold between these fierce competitors.
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