The Border-Gavaskar Trophy continued to sizzle on Day 2 as Jasprit Bumrah and debutant Harshit Rana set the tone for another dramatic day of cricket. Bumrah wasted no time, dismissing Alex Carey with a peach of a delivery. Rana soon joined the action, claiming Nathan Lyon’s wicket with a fiery spell that showcased his ability to extract bounce from the lively Perth pitch.
The young pacer didn’t just stop there; his aggressive short-pitched bowling earned a cheeky retort from Mitchell Starc, who warned, “I bowl faster than you. I have a long memory.” Unfazed by Starc’s words, Harshit Rana responded with his bowling, delivering another searing bouncer that struck Starc on the helmet.
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True to the spirit of cricket, Rana immediately checked on Starc to ensure he was okay, a gesture that earned him respect. Day 1, however, belonged to Jasprit Bumrah. After a questionable decision to bat first on a green, bouncy track, Bumrah redeemed himself with a mesmerizing opening spell.
Mitch Starc offers a little warning to Harshit Rana 😆#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/KoFFsdNbV2
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 23, 2024
His precision and movement dismantled Australia’s top order, reducing them to a shocking 67/7 by stumps. The track’s unpredictable bounce proved a nightmare for batters, leading to a rare occurrence—17 wickets falling on the opening day of a Test match in Australia, a feat not seen in over seven decades.
India’s first innings saw a disappointing display from the batters, with both seasoned players and young talents faltering. Debutant Nitish Reddy displayed grit, scoring a brave 41, while Rishabh Pant’s quick-fire 37, including a stunning six, provided some relief. However, the Indian innings folded for a mere 150, with Australia’s pace trio of Josh Hazlewood (4/29), Mitchell Starc (2/14), and Pat Cummins (2/67) wreaking havoc.
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Australia looked set to capitalize, but Bumrah’s fiery spell, supported by Mohammed Siraj (2/17) and Rana (1/33), turned the tables. India’s bowlers showcased discipline and aggression, ensuring the match remained on a knife’s edge. As the battle intensifies, the series promises to be a gripping contest of skill, temperament, and nerve.
