India’s fast bowler Mohammed Siraj showcased a stellar performance on Day 1 of the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, held at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Siraj, despite a shaky start, found his rhythm in his second spell, delivering a spellbinding display of seam bowling that left the Australian batters searching for answers.
Alongside skipper Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj played a crucial role in keeping the Indian team in the hunt after a challenging start with the bat. Initially struggling with his lines and lengths, Siraj adjusted remarkably in his subsequent spell. His ability to swing the ball both ways made him nearly unplayable. He claimed two critical wickets: Mitchell Marsh and the ever-reliable Marnus Labuschagne.
Notably, Labuschagne’s dismissal was a masterclass in teamwork, as it was reportedly the result of proactive field placements and insightful advice from Virat Kohli.
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Stationed in the slips, Virat Kohli gestured to Mohammed Siraj, suggesting a specific line and length. The plan worked perfectly, as Siraj delivered a full ball that moved off the seam and trapped Labuschagne leg-before for a laborious 2 off 52 balls. The day itself was a rollercoaster of action, with 17 wickets falling on a lively Perth pitch. Opting to bat, India struggled against Australia’s fiery pace attack.
— Kirkit Expert (@expert42983) November 22, 2024
— Kirkit Expert (@expert42983) November 22, 2024
Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal were dismissed for ducks, while Virat Kohli managed only five runs before departing. KL Rahul looked steady with 26 but fell to a contentious decision. At 73/6, India appeared in dire straits until Rishabh Pant (37) and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) added a gritty 48-run stand to push the total to 150. Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler for Australia, bagging four wickets.
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India’s bowlers, however, turned the tide. Bumrah’s lethal opening spell dismantled Australia’s top order, claiming three key wickets, including Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith. Debutant Harshit Rana chipped in by dismissing Travis Head, while Siraj’s strikes left Australia reeling at 47/6. At stumps, Australia was 67/7, with Alex Carey (19*) and Mitchell Starc at the crease, still trailing India by 83 runs.
Day 2 promises an enthralling contest as both sides look to wrest control in this fiercely competitive series opener.
