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India achieved a monumental feat by defeating Australia by 295 runs in the first Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth’s Optus Stadium. This iconic Perth victory not only marked Australia’s first-ever Test defeat at the venue but also saw India dethrone them at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The match showcased incredible resilience, turning what seemed a disadvantage into one of India’s finest performances in Test cricket.
Breaking Australia’s Unbeaten Streak at Perth Stadium
Before this match, the Optus Stadium had been a fortress for Australia. Since its opening in 2018, the ground hosted four Tests, all won by the hosts. India’s triumph in this fifth Test rewrote the narrative, handing Australia their first loss at the venue and breaking their unbeaten streak. This match was particularly significant as it brought the same two teams that contested the first-ever Test at Perth Stadium back for a reversal of fortunes.
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Turning the Tables: India’s Comeback Story
A Shaky Start
India’s first innings was far from ideal, with the team folding for just 150 runs. Australia appeared to be in control, continuing their dominance at Perth.
Bowlers Lead the Fightback
India’s bowlers came out firing, dismissing Australia for a mere 104 in their first innings. Jasprit Bumrah, leading the team as a stand-in captain, spearheaded the attack, exploiting the pitch conditions masterfully. This pivotal moment swung the momentum in India’s favor.
Jaiswal’s Grit and Glory
The second innings saw Yashasvi Jaiswal rise from his first-innings duck to deliver a scintillating century. His innings laid the foundation for India’s imposing second-innings total of 487, setting Australia a daunting target of 534.
A Historic Win
Australia crumbled under pressure, managing just 238 in their second innings. The 295-run defeat was a landmark moment, ending Australia’s winning streak at Perth and showcasing India’s dominance.
A Look at Perth Stadium’s Test History
Australia vs India (2018)
The inaugural Test at Perth saw Australia win by 146 runs. Virat Kohli’s century was the lone highlight for India as they struggled against the Australian bowlers in the second innings.
Australia vs New Zealand (2019)
A year later, Australia crushed New Zealand by 296 runs. Marnus Labuschagne’s century and Mitchell Starc’s nine-wicket haul dominated the match.
Australia vs West Indies (2022)
In 2022, Australia defeated the West Indies by 164 runs, with Labuschagne scoring a double century in the first innings and a century in the second.
Australia vs Pakistan (2023)
Australia’s largest victory at Perth came in 2023 when they defeated Pakistan by a record 360 runs, dominating the match from start to finish.
Australia vs India (2024)
The latest Test rewrote history. India’s second innings total of 487 and a combined bowling effort secured a historic 295-run win over the hosts.
Standout Performances
Jasprit Bumrah: The Architect of Victory
As captain and lead pacer, Bumrah took eight wickets in the match. His tactical acumen and ability to extract the most from the Perth pitch were crucial to India’s success.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Rising to the Occasion
After a disappointing start with a duck in the first innings, Jaiswal showcased his mental toughness and talent. His maiden century on Australian soil played a pivotal role in India’s resurgence.
A United Bowling Attack
India’s bowlers worked cohesively, with contributions from Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja complementing Bumrah’s heroics. The relentless pressure applied by the attack left Australia struggling for answers.
Virat Kohli’s 81st International century
However, it was Virat Kohli who truly stole the spotlight. Kohli’s 81st international century, his 30th in Tests, came at a crucial time, providing India with the solid foundation needed to claim this commanding Perth victory.
Kohli’s century was historic on multiple fronts. It marked his 30th Test century, making him the fourth highest among Indian players after legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. More importantly, Kohli’s knock broke Tendulkar’s long-standing record for the most Test centuries by an Indian in Australia. Kohli now holds the record with seven Test centuries on Australian soil, surpassing Tendulkar, who had six.
India at the Top of the WTC Table
This Perth victory elevated India to the top of the WTC standings with 61.11% of points. Australia, now second, has 57.69% points. The win bolstered India’s chances of reaching their third consecutive WTC final, showcasing their ability to bounce back after a 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand.
What the Players Had to Say
Bumrah’s Reflections
“Very happy with the beginning. We were put under pressure in the first innings, but the way we responded after that is something to be proud of. Playing here in 2018 helped us prepare better. This wicket was less spicy, but the experience worked in our favor,” Bumrah said at the post-match presentation.
Looking Ahead: The Second Test in Adelaide
With confidence soaring, India now prepares for the second Test at Adelaide, starting on December 6. Adelaide promises to be another thrilling contest as India aims to consolidate their lead in the series.
This historic win at Perth is not just a cricketing milestone but a testament to the team’s resilience and spirit. It will undoubtedly be remembered as one of India’s greatest Test victories.