Cricket Highlights, Nov 22-25: India tour of Australia (1st Test) – India vs Australia

IND vs AUS (1st Test) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling first Test of India’s tour of Australia, held at Perth from November 22 to 25, 2024. The match showcased a masterclass of resilience and dominance as India overcame a shaky start to secure a massive 295-run victory. With a combination of fiery bowling and a resilient batting display in the second innings, India stunned the hosts and took an early lead in the series. Let’s delve into the key highlights and turning points of this memorable encounter.

In the first Test of India’s tour of AUS at Perth, IND secured a commanding 295-run victory. India batted first, posting 150 in a challenging start, with Australia’s bowlers dominating early. In response, India’s bowlers, led by a fiery pace attack, bundled Australia out for just 104.

In the second innings, India’s batters staged a remarkable comeback, declaring at 487/6, thanks to a stellar middle-order performance. Set a daunting target of 534, Australia showed some resistance but fell for 238, handing India an emphatic win and a 1-0 lead in the series.

India’s opening innings in Perth proved tough, with the team bundled out for just 150 runs in 49.4 overs. The top order crumbled early, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal falling for ducks to Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, respectively. Virat Kohli fell for just 5 runs, nicking Hazlewood to the slips and putting India in trouble at 32/3. KL Rahul tried to steady the ship with a cautious 26 off 74 balls, but his dismissal to Starc at 47/4 further exposed India’s vulnerability.

Rishabh Pant provided some resistance in the middle order, scoring a fighting 37 off 78 balls, including three boundaries and a six. However, his dismissal to Pat Cummins signaled more trouble for the visitors. Nitish Kumar Reddy played a crucial late-order knock, contributing 41 off 59 balls with six fours and a six, helping India reach a modest total before falling to Cummins.

Australia’s bowlers dominated throughout the innings. Josh Hazlewood was the standout performer, claiming 4/29 in 13 overs with exceptional control. Mitchell Starc (2/14) and Pat Cummins (2/67) delivered key breakthroughs, while Mitchell Marsh (2/12) made important middle-order strikes. Despite some brief resistance from the tail, including Harshit Rana’s quick 7 and Jasprit Bumrah’s 8, India was unable to recover. Extras contributed 11 runs, but the innings ended at a below-par 150, leaving India on the back foot early in the match.

Australia’s first innings was a disappointing display, as they were bowled out for just 104 runs in 51.2 overs. India’s bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, tore through the home side’s batting order with pinpoint accuracy and masterful control. The innings began on a shaky note, with Nathan McSweeney (10) and Usman Khawaja (8) falling early to Bumrah. 

Steven Smith departed on the very first ball he faced, plunging Australia into a precarious 19/3. Marnus Labuschagne tried to hold the innings together but managed only 2 runs off 52 balls before being trapped lbw by Mohammed Siraj.

The middle order failed to offer resistance, with Travis Head (11) and Mitchell Marsh (6) falling cheaply to Harshit Rana and Siraj, respectively. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey provided a brief spark with 21 off 31 balls but fell to Bumrah, further deepening Australia’s troubles at 70/8. Mitchell Starc showed grit and determination, scoring a fighting 26 off 112 balls, but his efforts were not enough to rescue the innings.

Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler, claiming a sensational 5/30 in 18 overs, while Siraj (2/20) and Rana (3/48) provided excellent support. Despite some lower-order resistance from Starc and Josh Hazlewood (7*), Australia fell 46 runs short of India’s first-innings total, handing the visitors a crucial advantage in the match.

India showcased batting brilliance in their second innings, declaring at 487/6 in 134.3 overs and handing Australia an intimidating chase of 534 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal led the charge with a marathon 161 off 297 balls, anchoring the innings with elegance and resilience. 

KL Rahul played a steady hand with a well-crafted 77, partnering in a massive 201-run opening stand. Contributions from Devdutt Padikkal (25) and a scintillating unbeaten 100 by Virat Kohli further strengthened India’s position. Washington Sundar chipped in with 29, while Nitish Kumar Reddy’s quickfire 38* off 27 balls added a late flourish.

Australia’s second innings started disastrously, losing four wickets for just 17 runs as Jasprit Bumrah (3/42) and Mohammed Siraj (3/51) ripped through the top order. Despite resistance from Travis Head (89 off 101) and Mitchell Marsh (47 off 67), AUS succumbed to India’s relentless bowling. 

Alex Carey’s 36 provided some lower-order fight, but the target proved insurmountable as Washington Sundar (2/48) and Harshit Rana (1/69) cleaned up the tail. Australia’s innings ended at 238 in 58.4 overs, giving India a resounding win by a margin of 295 runs.

India vs Australia Scoreboard

India– 150 & 487/6d 

Australia– 104 & 238

Result – India won by 295 runs

Player of the Match – Jasprit Bumrah

IND vs AUS Playing XI

India

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(WK), Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah(C), Mohammed Siraj

Australia

Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(WK), Pat Cummins(C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Disclaimer: This Highlight is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.

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