The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between Australia and India got off to a dramatic start at the Optus Stadium in Perth. India, led by stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah, opted to bat first after winning the toss but faced a challenging day as both teams fought hard under bowling friendly conditions.
KL Rahul’s stunning catch to dismiss Mitchell Marsh
The moment of the day came during Australia’s first innings when KL Rahul pulled off a stunning low catch to remove Mitchell Marsh. The dismissal happened in the 16th over, bowled by Mohammed Siraj.
Siraj delivered a peach of a delivery that straightened after angling in, forcing Marsh into an awkward defensive shot. The ball took a thick edge and seemed to be dying en route to the slips. Rahul, stationed at third slip, dived low to his left to grab it.
While the catch was contested due to its proximity to the ground, replays showed Rahul’s fingers under the ball, prompting the third umpire to uphold the on-field decision. The effort saw Marsh leaving the field for 6 after facing 19 deliveries.
Here’s the video:
KL Rahul takes a stunner at 3rd slip#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/cTJQs9B1DS
— 彡Viя͢ʊs ᴛᴊ ᴘᴇᴛᴇʀ र (@TjPeter2599) November 22, 2024
After Marsh, Australia also lost the key wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins.
Also READ: AUS vs IND – Here’s when Rohit Sharma will join Team India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
India’s batting struggles
Earlier in the day, India’s decision to bat first on a lively Perth surface backfired as the team struggled against Australia’s pace attack. Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler, claiming figures of 4/29, while Mitchell Starc and skipper Cummins chipped in with two wickets each.
The Indian innings folded for 150, with young debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy top-scoring with a gritty 41, supported by a patient 37 from Rishabh Pant. The rest of the batting lineup failed to make significant contributions, succumbing to disciplined Australian bowling and the challenging pitch conditions.
Australia’s batting in trouble
India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah, ensured that their team stayed in the contest. His fiery spell of 4/17 ripped through the Australian top order, reducing the hosts to a precarious 67/7 by stumps.
Alex Carey (19) and Starc (6) were the two unbeaten batters at the close of play, as Australia trail India by 83 runs. Mohammed Siraj and debutant Harshit Rana also contributed with tight spells, adding to Australia’s woes.
