AUS vs IND: Jasprit Bumrah’s masterclass resurrects India in dramatic first Test against Australia

Jasprit Bumrah lit up the first Test against Australia in Perth with a sensational bowling spell, dragging India back into contention after a dismal batting display on Friday. By the close of an action-packed opening day, Australia was teetering at 67-7, reeling under Bumrah’s fiery spell of 4-17 in the final session.

The visitors had earlier been bundled out for a paltry 150, their batting lineup unable to cope with Australia’s lethal pace attack. Josh Hazlewood led the charge with 4-29, aided by Mitchell Starc and Marsh, as India’s top and middle-order crumbled.

India’s innings got off to a shaky start after stand-in captain KL Rahul lost his partner Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) early. Virat Kohli’s struggles deepened with the former skipper managing just five runs, raising questions about his Test future. Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37) offered brief resistance, but Australia’s bowlers ensured no partnership flourished.

Australia’s response started on a cautious note but quickly descended into chaos as Bumrah ripped through their top order. Rookie opener Nathan McSweeney fell lbw for 10, while veteran Usman Khawaja (8) and Steve Smith departed in quick succession to leave Australia reeling.

Mohammed Siraj and debutant Harshit Rana joined the party, with Labuschagne and Travis Head dismissed cheaply. Captain Pat Cummins added to Australia’s woes, falling to Bumrah late in the day.

At stumps, Australia’s Alex Carey (19*) and Mitchell Starc (6*) remained at the crease, tasked with salvaging their innings. With India already in the driver’s seat, the second day promises to be pivotal in this high-stakes Test match.

India’s decision to bench stalwarts Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja raised eyebrows, compounded by injuries to Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma’s absence. The experimental lineup faces an uphill battle to prove its mettle against a strong Australian side.