India blow away Australia in Perth to start Border-Gavaskar Trophy on a high

Team India completed a dream turnaround of events in the New Optus Stadium in Perth as they defeated Australia by a monumental 295 runs after just being bundled out for a paltry 150 runs in the first innings. An all-round performance from Team India saw them thumping Australia in the latter’s backyard emphatically as they drew the curtains on the game within the fourth day.

After securing a lead of 46 runs in the first innings, India rode high on twin centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli to propel themselves to a commanding position. The opening partnership of 201 runs between KL Rahul and Jaiswal laid the brickwork of the damage to follow. Virat Kohli took charge shortly and continued his brilliant run in Australia as he toyed with the bowlers. He stayed unbeaten for 100 while Nitish Kumar Reddy was also not out for 38 at the other end.

India declared at 487/6, posting a target of 534 runs. Australia found themselves in early trouble at the end of the third day as they lost three wickets for just 12 runs. Jasprit Bumrah started the rampage with the crucial scalp of Nathan McSweeney (0) while Mohammed Siraj was quick to strike the Aussie captain, Pat Cummins who came out as a night watchman for just two runs. Bumrah struck again to get rid of Marnus Labuschagne (3) as the hosts ended the day at 12/3.

At the start of Day four, India were quick to pounce as they got rid of the dangerous Usman Khwaja and Mohammed Siraj had two strikes in his repertoire. Despite a marathon partnership between Steve Smith (17) and Travis Head (89), Mohammed Siraj got India back in the attack with the big wicket of Smith.

Another valiant effort from Mitch Marsh (47) who joined Head in the center continued to fend off the Indian attack for a while. However, the Indian captain stepped up when it mattered the most as he removed the menacing Head, providing India the all-important breakthrough.

From thereon it was a matter of resilience for Australia as they dragged as far as they could but, in the end, India cleaned them up for 238, securing a victory by 295 runs. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were the picks of the lot with three wickets each while Washington Sundar registered figures of 2/48 to help them aptly. Jasprit Bumrah was the Player of the Match for his haul of eight wickets across two innings.