Bowlers Dominate as Australia and India Struggle with the Bat on Day One in Perth

Day one of the first Test between Australia and India in Perth turned into a bowlers’ showcase as both teams collapsed under the pressure of seam-friendly conditions. Josh Hazlewood’s four-wicket haul helped Australia bundle India out for 150, but the hosts fared worse, finishing the day at a precarious 67-7.

India’s stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah led the charge for the visitors, exploiting the lively pitch to claim an impressive 4-17, leaving Australia trailing by 83 runs at stumps.

India’s Struggles

India’s innings got off to a disastrous start. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal departed without scoring, while Virat Kohli’s extended century drought continued when Hazlewood (4-29) had him caught in the slips for just five. Kohli’s last hundred came 16 months ago, adding to his ongoing struggles.

KL Rahul (26) attempted to stabilize the innings but was controversially dismissed, with the third umpire ruling he edged Mitchell Starc (2-14) to keeper Alex Carey despite the bat appearing to brush his pad.

It fell to Rishabh Pant (37) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) to inject life into India’s innings with a gritty 48-run partnership. Pant entertained with a remarkable six off Pat Cummins, scooping the ball over fine leg from outside off-stump.

However, Australia’s fielding brilliance shone through when Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne combined in the slips to dismiss Harshit Rana (seven) in a rare team effort. Hazlewood celebrated as India’s innings ended before tea, with Cummins (2-67) wrapping up the tail.

Australia’s Collapse

Australia’s reply began with hope but quickly unraveled under India’s relentless pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah struck early, trapping debutant McSweeney leg-before for 10 and sending Usman Khawaja (eight) back with an edge to the slips. Steve Smith was out for a golden duck on the very next ball, leaving the hosts reeling.

Travis Head (11) became Harshit Rana’s maiden Test wicket, beaten for pace, while Labuschagne (two) fell leg-before to Mohammed Siraj, reducing Australia to 47-6.

Bumrah capped his spectacular day by dismissing Pat Cummins with a sharp edge to keeper Pant just before the close of play.

At stumps, Alex Carey (19) and Mitchell Starc (six) were the last recognized batsmen standing, tasked with steering Australia past their lowest-ever Test score against India—83 runs.

With both teams struggling to find footing, day two promises to be pivotal as bowlers continue to dominate in a gripping contest.