Border Gavaskar Trophy: India beats Australia by 295 runs, takes 1-0 lead

Perth: India made a stunning start to the five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy, defeating Australia by 295 runs in the first Test at Optus Stadium. With a dominating performance from stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah and the wizardry of Mohammed Siraj, India bowled Australia out for 238 in their chase of 534 runs, securing a 1-0 series lead.

Australia, set a daunting target, showed early resistance on Day 4, but India’s bowlers were too strong. On the third day, Bumrah and Siraj had already dismantled Australia’s top order, with Siraj dismissing Usman Khawaja (4) and Steve Smith (17) in the morning session. Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47) fought back with an 82-run partnership, but their efforts were in vain.

Bumrah, leading in Rohit Sharma’s absence, dismissed Head, who edged a ball to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Marsh, after launching Washington Sundar for a six, was bowled out by debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy. Sundar, showcasing his all-round skills, further added to India’s dominance by taking the vital wicket of Mitchell Starc (12) with a reflex catch by Dhruv Jurel at short leg. Sundar’s brilliance continued as he dismissed Nathan Lyon, leaving Australia at 238 all out.

India’s victory was built on a superb second innings performance, led by Virat Kohli’s brilliant 100 off 143 balls. Kohli, who had struggled for form in recent Tests, scored his 30th Test century, his seventh on Australian soil, and his second in Perth. His knock, which included eight fours and two sixes, was pivotal in taking India’s lead to an unassailable 533 runs. Kohli’s partnerships with Washington Sundar and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy helped India declare at 359/5.

Earlier in the second innings, Yashasvi Jaiswal starred with a dazzling 161, supported by KL Rahul’s 77 in a 229-run opening stand. Jaiswal’s calculated aggression left Australian bowlers helpless, while India’s lead continued to grow despite a few quick wickets in the second session.

India’s dominance began in the first innings, where they bowled Australia out for just 104 in response to India’s modest total of 150. Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, and Bumrah exploited the bounce and movement on offer to put Australia on the back foot from the outset.

With a 500-plus run lead heading into the final innings, India’s relentless bowling attack ensured that Australia’s resistance never gained momentum. The victory not only gives India a crucial 1-0 lead in the series but also strengthens their position in the World Test Championship standings.

India now looks ahead to the second Test, aiming to extend their dominance and keep their World Test Championship final hopes alive. Meanwhile, Australia will be looking to regroup and bounce back in the upcoming matches.