Before the day’s play in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia at Perth, Indian stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah shared a light-hearted moment with Australian legend Brett Lee. The two pace maestros were spotted engaging in a lively chat on the field, with Bumrah even mimicking Lee’s iconic bowling action and celebrating with the legendary chainsaw gesture, much to the delight of onlookers.
Despite the added pressure of captaincy, Bumrah has risen to the challenge, delivering a standout performance to put India in a commanding position. His five-wicket haul in the first innings dismantled the Australian batting line-up, restricting the hosts to a paltry 104 runs. Bumrah’s leadership, both in strategy and execution, has been instrumental in flipping the game in India’s favour.
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India’s batters complemented their skipper’s efforts with a solid performance of their own. Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal stitched together an impressive 150+ run partnership, extending India’s lead to over 200 runs. Jaiswal, who is nearing his maiden century on Australian soil, showcased a mix of patience and aggression, while Rahul provided steady support at the other end.
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Despite missing key players like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, India has shown resilience against a formidable Australian side. As play resumes on Day 3, Jaiswal will aim to reach his century, and Rahul will look to build on his start, setting a daunting target for the hosts.
However, the road ahead won’t be easy. With the pitch gradually improving for batting, Australia’s batters might offer stronger resistance in the second innings. India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah, will need to be at their best to seal the win.
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This victory is crucial for India’s aspirations in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. To qualify for the final, India must secure four wins and a draw in the five-match series—a tall order on Australian soil. Starting the series with a win would set the tone and keep their destiny firmly in their hands.
