The first Test between India and Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium has already etched itself in the history books, but not in a manner the Australian side would have wanted. On Day 1 of the match, Australia crumbled for just 104 runs, marking their second-lowest Test total against India on Australian soil. The only lower score was back in 1981 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where the hosts were bowled out for 83 runs.
This dramatic collapse was spearheaded by India’s fiery pace attack. Captain Jasprit Bumrah led from the front with a scintillating five-wicket haul, his first as captain. He was ably supported by debutant Harshit Rana, who claimed three crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Travis Head. Bumrah’s consistent probing lines and pace were too much for the Australians to handle, as the pitch’s lively bounce and movement further compounded their struggles. Meanwhile, Rana showcased nerves of steel in his debut performance, with his third wicket being a significant statement of intent on his budding Test career.
The Australian batting lineup struggled from the start, losing wickets in quick succession. David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne failed to provide resistance against India’s new-ball bowlers, and the middle order, led by Steve Smith, also faltered. A late partnership between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood added some respectability to the total, but it was far from enough. Australia’s 104-run tally became the fourth-lowest score ever against India in Tests, highlighting the potency of India’s pace-dominated attack on foreign soil.
India’s decision to field an unconventional XI also raised eyebrows. Senior spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were rested, with Washington Sundar included as the sole spinner. The move appeared risky but paid dividends thanks to the pacers’ dominance. India also handed out Test caps to Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, a pace-bowling all-rounder who contributed a steady 41 runs to India’s innings before their bowlers took charge.
This collapse exposed Australia’s frailty against high-quality pace on a challenging pitch. The Optus Stadium pitch, known for its bounce and seam movement, was exploited skillfully by the Indian pacers. While Australia expected to capitalize on their home conditions, it was the visitors who found ways to make the surface work to their advantage.
Australia’s record in recent matches against India has shown similar vulnerabilities. The current collapse joins other low scores, such as their 91-run effort in Nagpur earlier this year and the 93 runs they managed in Mumbai in 2004. While Australia has historically been a formidable force at home, these occasional batting implosions reveal areas where they still need improvement, especially against top-tier bowling attacks.
This performance also stands out in the context of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. For Australia, losing early wickets and failing to capitalize on home advantage could have significant consequences for their campaign. On the other hand, India, under Bumrah’s leadership, has gained an early upper hand in this Test and sent a strong signal about their readiness to compete aggressively in overseas conditions.
The Indian team’s resilience in the face of challenges has been remarkable. Despite missing several key players—Rohit Sharma, the designated captain, was absent for personal reasons, and Shubman Gill was out due to a thumb injury—they displayed a cohesive effort that gave them the upper hand early in the Test. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal began India’s reply with confidence, adding crucial runs and ensuring the visitors maintained control at the end of Day 1.
For Australia, the batting debacle serves as a wake-up call. With top-order stalwarts like Warner and Labuschagne failing to deliver and Smith unable to steady the ship, questions will be asked about their preparation and adaptability to challenging conditions. Their bowlers now have the daunting task of defending a low total and trying to claw back into the match, but the pressure is squarely on the hosts.
The Test is still in its early stages, but India’s strong bowling performance has put them in a commanding position. Australia’s dismal outing in the first innings highlights the unpredictable nature of cricket, where conditions, preparation, and execution all play vital roles. As the match progresses, Australia will need a monumental effort to avoid a damaging defeat, while India will look to consolidate their advantage and push for a memorable win.
This performance underscores India’s growing stature as a world-class Test side capable of dominating in all conditions. It also adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between these two cricketing giants, with this Perth Test likely to be remembered as a turning point in the series. The coming days will determine whether Australia can recover or if India will march toward a comprehensive victory in what promises to be an enthralling battle.