NEW DELHI: Jasprit Bumrah turned the Perth Test on its head with his five-wicket spell on the opening day, after Indian batters fell like a pack of cards to begin the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) on the wrong foot.
India’s first innings was wrapped up by Australia for just 150, after stand-in skipper Bumrah won the toss and opted to bat on a bouncy Optus Stadium track.
But the Indian captain had his bowling plans in place and bamboozled the Australians with figures of 5 for 30. The hosts went through a nightmare, bowled out for a mere 104 to concede a 46-run lead in the first innings. In the second innings, centuries by Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) and Virat Kohli (100 not out) helped India reach 487 for 6 before declaring to set Australia a daunting target of 534.
‘Player of the Match’ Bumrah, who proved to be Australia’s nemesis on the last two tours Down Under as well, returned to haunt the Aussies once again in the second innings and claimed three wickets (3 for 42) to finish with a match-haul of 8 for 72.
Throughout the match, the SEN commentators, including former Australian players like Damien Fleming, sang praises of India’s stand-in captain, as the visitors bowled out Australia for 238 in their second innings to register a 295-run win — their biggest winning margin in Australia in terms of runs.
“He is a wizard,” said Fleming on commentary, while applauding one of Bumrah’s wickets.
“Bumrah’s done him cold!” exclaimed Gerard Whateley, a sports broadcaster and journalist.
SEN Cricket Commentary highlights of Jasprit Bumrahâs DEMOLITION of Australia
Bumrah captained India in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who was unavailable for the first Test as he was on paternity leave after the birth of his second child.
Rohit, however, joined India ahead of the fourth day’s play in Perth and will be available for the second Test beginning December 6 in Adelaide and the day-night practice game before that starting November 30.
India, who lead the five-Test series 1-0, need to win four Tests to outrightly qualify for the World Test Championship final.