Legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting recently praised the Indian cricket team for their exceptional ability to excel in foreign conditions, suggesting that they now perform better overseas than on home soil. Ponting’s remarks came in the wake of India’s commanding 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
The Test was expected to heavily favor Australia due to the pace-friendly conditions, but India showcased their adaptability and resilience. After managing a modest 150 in their first innings, India made a remarkable turnaround. The batting resurgence in the second innings was led by young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (161), a patient KL Rahul (77), and a classic unbeaten century from Virat Kohli (100*). Their efforts set Australia a daunting target of 534 runs, which proved insurmountable.
The Indian pace attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and newcomer Harshit Rana thoroughly dismantled the Australian batting lineup, resulting in a decisive win. During his analysis on Star Sports, Ricky Ponting highlighted the strategic and psychological edge that India demonstrated throughout the match.
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“To lose by nearly 300 runs at home will be a tough pill for Australia to swallow,” Ricky Ponting said. “Batting first was the right decision in Perth, and though India were bowled out for 150, they adapted brilliantly. Their bowlers—Bumrah, Siraj, and Rana—were exceptional. These conditions suited them, and they exploited them masterfully.”
The victory snapped Australia’s unbeaten streak at the Optus Stadium and handed them their second-heaviest defeat at home in 40 years. Mitchell Starc, reflecting on the match, singled out Jaiswal for special praise. “He’s a remarkable talent. After we got him cheaply in the first innings, he showed his character with a brilliant knock in the second. He’s destined to be a mainstay for India,” Mitchell Starc remarked.
Bumrah’s stellar match figures of 8/72 underpinned India’s dominance, reaffirming his status as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. The win also underscored the depth in India’s pace attack, with Siraj’s hostility and Rana’s composure complementing Bumrah’s brilliance.
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Ricky Ponting concluded by emphasizing India’s evolution as an overseas powerhouse. “I genuinely believe India is better on foreign soil now. Their adaptability and resilience in alien conditions have become their hallmark. This victory in Perth is a testament to their growth as a team, and they’ve set the tone for the rest of the series.”
