India Roast Australia: India’s pace attack spearheaded the incredible come-from-behind win for India against Australia on Day 2 of the first Test. Jasprit Bumrah struck immediately with his first ball of the day, getting rid of Alex Carey for 21 runs. That early jolt set the tone for India’s takeover at Perth Stadium.
Bumrah’s fiery start pushed Australia to 74 for eight within 31 overs. His relentless pace and precision dismantled Australia’s batting order. Soon after, Harshit Rana joined the attack, dismissing Nathan Lyon for just five runs. K.L. Rahul’s sharp catch in the slips ensured Lyon’s quick return to the pavilion.
Starc and Hazlewood Show Resistance
Despite losing nine wickets, Australia still found a glimmer of hope in the partnership of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. These two put in a great deal of resistance against India’s bowlers, holding the fort for ten overs and pushing Australia’s score to 100 for nine by the 44th over.
However, the alliance soon tumbled in the 52nd over. Harshit Rana bowled again, with Starc forcing the ball to edge to Rishabh Pant. Starc scored 26 runs off 112 deliveries, showing wonderful patience but could not curb Australia’s fall. The side completed their first innings at a modest 104 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the star of the innings, claiming a total of five wickets across Day 1 and Day 2. His four wickets on Day 1 had already placed India in a commanding position. On Day 2, his clinical delivery to dismiss Alex Carey added to his stellar performance.
Bumrah’s pace, coupled with the condition of the pitch, already proved too hot for Australia’s batting line-up. He often targeted the stumps, forcing errors from the batsmen and breaking their resistance.
Harshit Rana’s Impressive Debut
Harshit Rana, with his presence felt, played a crucial role in winding up the Australia innings. His delivery to dismiss Nathan Lyon showed precision and control during pressure situations. The line and length maintained by Rana was a cause of concern for the tail-enders of Australia.
Additionally, his dismissal of Mitchell Starc, achieved through a perfectly pitched delivery outside off stump, highlighted his skill. Rana’s two crucial wickets reinforced India’s dominance and demonstrated his potential as a promising pacer.
Australia’s Struggles in the First Innings
Australia’s first innings unfolded as a tale of struggles and missed opportunities. After restricting India to 150 runs on Day 1, the hosts failed to capitalize on the advantage. Their batting order crumbled under India’s relentless attack, with none of the top-order batters managing to establish a foothold.
The dismissals of major players like Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith within the first 15 overs on Day 1 set the stage for their collapse. The middle order, led by Alex Carey, attempted to stabilize the innings but couldn’t withstand Bumrah’s and Rana’s precision.
India Takes the Lead
India dismissed Australia for 104 and earned a 46-run lead going into their second innings. Although the lead is not massive, it gave the visitors the psychological upper hand. With the pitch now assisting the bowlers, India’s batsmen have a chance to build a tough target for the hosts.
Day 3 Ahead
India look to prolong their lead going into Day 3, applying pressure onto the Australians. The Perth wicket is not a fortress for batsmen and the Indian batsmen will need to work on their partnerships, not taking unnecessary risks.
Australia will expect their bowlers – Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood – to come to the rescue with early wickets and limit India’s total, setting up a chase they can successfully affect.
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Conclusion
On Day 2, India’s batting gave way to their bowling strength and resilience. Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana were leading the pack, as the batsmen of Australia were then tamed by this set of bowlers with very good precision and aggression. With the lead in hand, India has every reason to dominate whatever remains of the match.
