Border Gavaskar Trophy: Team India beat Australia by 295 runs in Perth Test, takes 1-0 lead

The Indian cricket team scripted one of the most famous victories in their history as they bowled out Australia for 238 after tea on the fourth day at Perth Stadium on Monday, clinching a commanding 295-run victory. India have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia, who haven’t won a Test series against India since 2015, last won a series at home after losing the opening match 55 years ago, against West Indies.

At the start of the Perth Test, however, it was felt that Team India was up against a daunting challenge as they had recently lost 3-0 at home to New Zealand, captain Rohit Sharma did not travel to Australia due to the birth of his second child, Shubman Gill injured his finger in the practice, while the team management decided to bench veteran R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in favour of Washington Sundar and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy. Harshit Rana also made his debut.

But as was the case during India’s miraculous Test series win Down Under in 2020-21, the team scripted an incredible turnaround after being shot out for just 150 on Day 1 with Reddy scoring a valiant 41 on debut.

Australia were dismissed for just 104 with stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah taking a fifer followed by centuries from Yashasvi Jasiwal (161) and Virat Kohli (100 not out) as Team India declared on 487/6 in the second innings, setting an improbable target of 534 for Australia.

How things unfolded on Day 4

Starting day four at 12-3, Australia quickly lost Usman Khawaja (4) as the opener mistimed a shot off Siraj (3-51), sending a simple catch to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.

Rana (1-69) bowled with fiery intent, briefly immobilizing Steve Smith with a sharp delivery to the ribs and unsettling Travis Head with some short-pitched bowling as the pair stitched together a 62-run partnership.

Steve Smith, returning to his preferred number four spot after a failed experiment as an opener, was caught behind for 17 off Siraj.

Travis Head entertained with a flurry of boundaries during his spirited knock of 89 but fell just short of an eighth Test century. He edged a delivery from Bumrah (3-42) to Pant, with Bumrah finishing the match with an impressive eight wickets overall.

History Made Down Under! 🇮🇳✨

Team India seals a memorable victory & won by 295 runs, becoming the FIRST team to defeat Australia at the Optus Stadium, Perth! 🏟💥

With this India's biggest Test win (by margin of runs) in Australia.

A moment of pride, determination, and… pic.twitter.com/aczwnzUN3d

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 25, 2024

Mitchell Marsh contributed a gritty 47 before chopping a delivery from debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy onto his stumps. Shortly after, Dhruv Jurel showcased sharp reflexes at short leg to dismiss Mitchell Starc (12) off Washington Sundar (2-48) just before tea.

Post-tea, Washington bowled Australia’s spin counterpart Nathan Lyon for a duck, steering India closer to a much-needed victory. This triumph comes as a morale booster following their 3-0 series defeat at home to New Zealand earlier this month.

Tailender Josh Hazlewood remained unbeaten on 4 as India wrapped up the proceedings.

‘I was just telling everyone to have faith’

Stand-in skipper Bumrah shared that his message to the teammates was to believe in themselves.

“Very happy with the beginning, we were put under pressure in the first innings but the way we responded after that, I’m really proud of the team,” Bumrah said after being named Player of the Match for his 8/72 in the match.

“Obviously, this wicket was a little less spicy than the last one that I played here, but we were really well prepared.

“So I was just telling everyone to have faith in their process and ability, because over here at this moment, you have an opportunity to do something special.”

The second Test will be played in Adelaide from 6 December.