The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India at Perth began with high drama as Mitchell Starc struck a significant blow on the opening delivery of his spell.
Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for a golden duck, dismissed by a brilliant inswinging delivery from Starc that set the tone for Australia’s dominance early in the match. This wicket not only marked a sensational start for Australia but also highlighted Starc’s ability to make an immediate impact.
Starc’s dismissal of Jaiswal was the result of precise swing and pace, with the young Indian opener completely beaten. The ball pitched perfectly, angling in just enough to trap Jaiswal plumb in front of the stumps. His early exit left India on shaky ground, and the pressure only mounted as the match progressed.
This performance added to Starc’s impressive Test career tally, where he has consistently been a spearhead for the Australian attack. With this breakthrough, he further solidified his reputation as one of the most lethal new-ball bowlers in modern cricket.
Partnering with Josh Hazlewood, the duo became the first Australian new-ball pair to collectively claim 400 Test wickets, a testament to their consistency and effectiveness over the years.
The dismissal of Jaiswal was followed by more trouble for India, as Hazlewood quickly sent debutant Devdutt Padikkal back to the pavilion, leaving India struggling at 14/2. Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah’s decision to bat first on a green and bouncy Perth pitch seemed questionable as the Australian pace trio of Starc, Hazlewood, and skipper Pat Cummins exploited the conditions expertly.
Starc’s fiery opening spell was not just about statistics but also about psychological pressure. By removing India’s promising young opener on the very first ball, Starc sent a clear message that Australia would not allow any easy starts. His lethal inswingers and strategic lengths caused consistent trouble for the Indian top order throughout the innings.
As the day unfolded, India’s batting lineup found it difficult to counter the relentless pace and swing. KL Rahul tried to anchor the innings but eventually fell for a gritty 26. Other key batters, including Virat Kohli, struggled against the fiery Australian attack, and India was bowled out for a mere 150 runs.