WATCH: Extra bounce sends Virat Kohli back to pavilion against Australia in Perth Test. (Photo Source: Disney+Hotstar)
Star India batter Virat Kohli departed for five runs in the ongoing first Test against Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth. There were immense expectations from the 36-year-old, given his success Down Under, and the cricketer looked in good rhythm before the extra bounce got the better of him in the 17th over of the opening day. Notably, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and the returning Devdutt Padikkal also failed to make a mark, resulting in Kohli’s early arrival at the crease.
He used his front foot well early on, but Hazlewood bowled a short one in the second ball of the 17th over, which got the better of Kohli. The cricketer was once again looking for a good-length delivery but didn’t expect a bouncer. As he was already on his front foot, Kohli failed to adjust his position, resulting in the ball hitting his bat and going straight to Usman Khawaja in the slips, who picked up a simple catch.
The former India captain didn’t intend to play the ball and wanted to simply leave it, but the ball eventually kissed the bat, and it was unavoidable for Kohli, who couldn’t get into the position. With his dismissal, India were reduced to 32/3.
Watch Kohli’s wicket here:
Hazlewood Strikes again!
Virat Kohli gone before making it to double figure. 3 wickets Down.
India 32-3 #BGT #AUSvIND #BGT2024 #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/WIGa8hPJB8
— Ahmed Sheikh (@AhmSheikhh) November 22, 2024
Meanwhile, KL Rahul looked good in the first session of the game. He replaced Rohit Sharma in the playing XI, who missed the Perth Test due to paternity leave. When the visitors were under pressure, the senior batter took control and played some good shots to release it, and he will be extremely vital for the team, given that they had already lost three wickets early on. A controversial DRS call by the third umpire led to Rahul’s departure, which saw India lose their fourth wicket within the first session.
At Lunch, Dhruv Jurel and Pant are batting at the crease, as the visitors have managed to score 51 runs in the first 25 overs.