India beat Australia by 295 runs in the first Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy that was played in Perth, under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy. It was Australia’s first-ever Test defeat at the Optus Stadium, a venue that has hosted four previous matches since opening in 2018 in which Australia were virtually invincible. Before that, Australia had won the venue against India, New Zealand, West Indies and Pakistan.
A century from Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second innings set India up brilliantly for match victory and a target of 534. By Day 3’s end, Australia was in a deep mess, 12/3. Usman Khawaja was not out on 14 at the close having smashed six boundaries in a searching partnership of 39 with Marnus Labuschagne, who was dismissed for three on the final ball of the day.
Australia’s second innings batting lineup crumbled under pressure on Day 4, managing only 238. All three wickets were claimed by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar, with Harish Rana taking the final one. India dominated its performance and Bumrah was the man of the hour, taking eight wickets across both innings.
India’s victory was a fine all-round display with their bowlers beating Australia’s batting order and the Indians top order laying a strong foundation. India’s second innings was topped off by composed century by Jaiswal and aggressive knock by Kohli, which set up the colossal target.
It was also redemption for India as they had lost their first ever Test at this venue in 2018 by 146 runs were to India. Thanks to this commanding start, India have now taken real timing out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, although there is still plenty for Australia to consider before the next test.
