Date: 22 November 2024
Location: Optus Stadium, Perth
Match: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024, India vs Australia 1st Test Day 1
Toss: Who Took the First Call?
The toss was as nerve-wracking as the first swipe on Tinder. Pat Cummins won it and, with the confidence of a seasoned gamer choosing his main, decided to bowl first. India’s stand-in skipper KL Rahul probably felt like the guy left holding the AUX cord at a party—pressure galore to deliver.
The Playing Elevens
India, missing Rohit Sharma, put faith in Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal to open. The debutant Nitish Reddy and young pacer Harshit Rana got their Test caps, signaling a youth revolution. Australia rolled in with their heavy-duty pace trio—Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins, ready to hit the deck hard.
India’s Morning Blues: “Swipe Left” Performance
The start was shakier than your Wi-Fi during a storm. Both Jaiswal and Padikkal returned for ducks, making the scoreboard look like a password attempt gone wrong: 0/0, 0/2. The crowd barely had time to finish their coffee when Virat Kohli nicked one off Hazlewood. A classy batter undone by Perth’s notorious bounce—India: 20/3.
KL Rahul, stepping up as skipper, tried to play anchor but got caught in a “to DRS or not to DRS” drama, ending his vigil at 26. By lunch, India sat at a dismal 51/4, staring at a long road ahead.
Afternoon Show: Enter Rishabh Pant and Nitish Reddy
The afternoon brought a bit of hope, like spotting fries at the bottom of a bag. Rishabh Pant, ever the maverick, reverse-swept Nathan Lyon for fun and even pulled a falling sweep for six—peak Pant mode activated. Debutant Nitish Reddy showed promise, reverse-sweeping Lyon with ease and hitting boundaries to make his presence felt.
Just as their partnership gained momentum, the Aussies struck back. Cummins dismissed Pant for 37, breaking a critical stand of 48 runs. India: 121/7. Harshit Rana’s gritty 7 and Jasprit Bumrah’s quick 8 added to the chaos, but India folded at 150 all out, a score lower than most Spotify playlists.
The Aussie Pacers: Speed Meets Precision
Australia’s bowling was more ruthless than a Gen-Z roast.
- Josh Hazlewood: 4/42, proving why he’s the “Mr. Reliable” of the Aussie attack.
- Mitchell Starc: 2/37, searing Yorkers and bouncers that rattled batters.
- Pat Cummins: 2/35, bowling with the accuracy of a sniper.
The Evening Session: Bumrah Unleashes Chaos
If India’s batting was an episode of heartbreak, their bowling was pure revenge drama. Jasprit Bumrah came in breathing fire, sending Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja back to the pavilion in no time. The latter’s dismissal—a brilliant DRS call—was like that perfect clutch play in a video game.
Australia’s top order crumbled faster than a dry cookie. Bumrah didn’t stop there, snaring Steve Smith for a golden duck, leaving Australia at 19/3. Harshit Rana, the debutant, added his name to the scoreboard by uprooting Travis Head’s off stump with a dream delivery.
As the lights came on, Mohammed Siraj joined the party, scalping Mitchell Marsh and the stubborn Marnus Labuschagne. At 67/7, Australia’s innings mirrored India’s earlier tumble—déjà vu, much?
17 Wickets in a Day: A Historic Carnage
This match joined history as 17 wickets fell on Day 1, a record not seen in Australia since 1952. Batters from both teams seemed like they’d rather be scrolling Reels than facing the fiery pace attacks.
What’s Cooking for Day 2?
- For India: With Australia trailing by 83 runs and just three wickets in hand, India’s pacers will look to wrap up the innings swiftly. Bumrah, already with 4/17, will be the key.
- For Australia: If Alex Carey and the tailenders can wag their way past 100, the Aussies might still claw their way back.
Prediction: Expect More Drama
Day 2 promises to be just as chaotic, with India likely to secure a lead and Australia’s bowlers itching to make amends in the second innings. Gen-Z verdict? Bring popcorn because it’s going to be a Netflix-worthy thriller.
FAQs: India vs Australia 1st Test Day 1
- What was the score at the end of Day 1?
India: 150 all out; Australia: 67/7. - Who was the standout player of Day 1?
Jasprit Bumrah with 4/17, hands down. - What made Day 1 historic?
Seventeen wickets fell, a feat last achieved in Australia in 1952. - What can we expect on Day 2?
More wickets, intense pace bowling, and possibly a low-scoring thriller.
READ MORE BLOGS ABOUT CRICKET:
- GT vs MI: A Comprehensive Overview of Their Encounters
- SRH vs RR: A Classic IPL Battle of Power and Strategy From 2013 Onwards
- IPL 2025: Full Retained Players List Of All 10 Teams Before Mega Auction
- India National Cricket Team vs Canada National Cricket Team Timeline
- India National Cricket Team vs Netherlands National Cricket Team Timeline
- United States National Cricket Team vs Ireland Cricket Team Timeline
