Indian bowlers ran riot on Day 1 [Source: @BCCI/x.com]
The Day 1 of the first AUS vs IND Test didn’t disappoint as it was the bowlers, who dominated the proceedings. After a rough start with the bat, India's pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, debutant Harshit Rana, and Mohammed Siraj pulled off a comeback that had everyone sitting up and taking notice.
On a lively pitch, these three pacers brought the heat, ripping through Australia's batting lineup and keeping India’s hopes alive in the first Test. The match started on a sour note for India when they were bowled out for just 150.
With only Nitish Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37) showing some fight, the rest of the lineup crumbled under relentless pressure from Australia's pace battery. But when the Indian pacers came out to defend the low score, it was a completely different story. Here’s how the trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, and Mohammed Siraj turned the tables on Australia:
Bumrah’s Sensational Opening Spell
Captain Bumrah proved why he’s a class apart, both as a bowler and a leader. After taking some heat for choosing to bat first on a bowler-friendly pitch, Bumrah silenced his critics with an electrifying opening spell.
He dismissed Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, and Steve Smith in quick succession, setting the tone for the collapse. Bumrah’s control was breathtaking. He used the new ball perfectly, mixing lengths and making full use of the bounce and carry.
Harshit Rana’s Dream Debut
Talk about making an entrance. On his debut, Harshit Rana delivered when it mattered the most. After Bumrah set the tone in his sensational opening spell, Rana stepped up and cleaned up, India’s old nemesis, Travis Head with a beauty that knocked over his stumps. It was a moment to remember for the youngster, as he backed up Bumrah's efforts with aggression and accuracy.
Rana didn’t stop there. His pace and bounce troubled the Australian batters, and though he only claimed one wicket, his pressure from the other end was just as valuable. The debutant showed nerves of steel and proved he belongs on the big stage.
Mohammed Siraj’s Double Strike
Mohammed Siraj was the glue that held the attack together. While Bumrah and Rana brought fire and flamboyance, Siraj was all about consistency and accuracy. He first forced Mitchell Marsh to edge one to the slip cordon and then trapped Marnus Labuschagne plumb in front with a delivery that swung back beautifully.
Siraj's ability to hit the perfect length time and again kept the Aussies guessing, and his intensity ensured there was no let-up. Siraj’s two wickets came at just the right time, further tightening the noose around Australia’s neck.
Bumrah then returned for his second spell and was just as lethal, as he got Cummins to nick one behind. His bowling spell was a combination of pace, hostility, and smarts, and it was instrumental in reducing Australia to 59/7.
The Secret to India’s Turnaround
India’s fast-bowling trio succeeded because they stuck to a clear plan and executed it brilliantly. Here’s what they did right:
- 1. Perfect Use of the New Ball: Bumrah made full use of the fresh ball, finding movement both in the air and off the pitch. His length was spot-on, forcing the batters to play at deliveries they’d rather leave.
- 2. Bowling Hard Lengths: All three bowlers hit the back of a length consistently and made it difficult for the Aussie batters to get on the front foot. This length exploited the bounce and pace of the Perth pitch.
- 3. Incredible Aggression: The bowlers with passion and intensity as they peppered the batters with occasional short balls while maintaining accuracy. This exerted a lot of pressure on the Aussie batters and led to mistakes.
- 4. Teamwork: It wasn’t just about individual brilliance. The trio worked in tandem, with each bowler complementing the other. While Bumrah attacked, Siraj and Rana kept things tight, ensuring there was no release of pressure.
Meanwhile, Australia ended the day at 67/7, still trailing by 87 runs. The Indian trio will look to make early inroads on Day 2 and take any lead that they can as it will turn out to vital on this Perth surface that is only going to get difficult to bat.