Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Bumrah, Siraj rip through Australia’s top order after Kohli’s masterclass

Virat Kohli’s sublime knock of 106 and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s career-best 161 propelled India to a commanding position against Australia on Day 3 of the Perth Test. Declaring their second innings at 487 for 6, India set a daunting target of 534 before reducing the hosts to 12 for 3 at stumps.

Kohli’s 30th Test ton, his 81st in international cricket, came in a brisk 143-ball innings. His partnerships—89 with Washington Sundar and 77 in just 8.4 overs with Nitish Kumar Reddy—ensured that India piled on the misery for an Australian side visibly drained after two days in the field under sweltering conditions.

Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased his immense talent with his fourth Test century, smashing 161 and anchoring a solid 200-run opening stand with KL Rahul, who contributed 77. This was India’s first 200-run opening partnership on Australian soil, setting the tone for a dominant display.

Resuming at 151 for no loss, Rahul and Jaiswal played with assurance against a weary Australian bowling attack. Jaiswal brought up his century in style, ramping a short ball from Mitchell Starc for six. Rahul, meanwhile, played a steady hand before falling to Starc for 77, nicking a delivery to the keeper.

Australia struck back with quick wickets post-lunch. Devdutt Padikkal fell first ball, edging Starc to the slips, while Rishabh Pant and debutant Dhruv Jurel fell cheaply. However, Jaiswal continued to dominate, converting his century into a 150 before mistiming a shot to point off Mitchell Marsh.

With Australia sensing an opening, Kohli steadied the innings with Sundar before unleashing his trademark aggression. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s arrival added fireworks, as the pair hammered boundaries at will, with Nitish smashing a six and multiple fours in a single over off Marsh. Kohli reached his century with a sweep to fine-leg before India declared, looking to capitalize on the late evening conditions.

India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, wrecked Australia’s top order in just 27 minutes. Debutant Nathan McSweeney’s tough Test debut continued as Bumrah trapped him LBW for a duck. Siraj accounted for night-watchman Pat Cummins, who edged to Kohli at slip. Bumrah struck again in the day’s final over, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne for zero after the batter misjudged a nip-backer.

With Australia reeling at 12 for 3 and needing an improbable 522 runs for victory, India stand on the verge of a comprehensive win. With two full days to play, India’s bowlers will look to capitalize on their dominant position and wrap up the match swiftly.