I think it is an understatement to say that few expected what unfolded last week at Perth’s Optus Stadium. India were framed as an ageing and crumbling side who were unworthy of their reputation, while Australia, also getting on in years, were still seen fundamentally as a cricketing force to be reckoned with. It was certainly an upset, then, which saw India not only triumph, but inflict a severe and crushing defeat on Australia.
The first day started in a manner far more in tune with the formbook, a formbook which saw India recently dealt a devastating home whitewash defeat against New Zealand. Australia’s bowling quartet, Hazlewood, Starc, Cummins and Lyon, bowled well, eventually dismissing India cheaply for 150, seemingly exposing the tourists’ batting fragility; things were going according to the script.
Australia not only failed to press home their early advantage, however, but also succumbed to an unexpected first innings deficit. This was thanks in no small part to the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah, whose 5 wickets ensured Australia’s batsmen suffered a torrid time in their efforts to post a competitive response, mustering up only 104.
By the end of day two, India had rubbed salt deep into Australian wounds. Both openers, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, were unbeaten and well past their half centuries by stumps, with the Indian lead growing exponentially, and showing no signs of slowing. While Rahul was eventually dismissed the next morning for a strong 77, Australia did not remove Jaiswal until he had added an exceptional 161 to India’s total. This is just another marker of what an extraordinary young cricketer he is, and another warning sign for India’s opponents over the next decade of his brilliance.
Virat Kohli then signalled a return to form which has been long awaited by India’s fans with a century which put his team out of sight. Kohli did well to accelerate his innings towards the end to bring about a sooner declaration, and when the declaration came, India had a third innings score of 487-6, leaving Australia an insurmountable 534 to chase, and a tricky few overs before stumps to negotiate on their way.
Australian worries were to be proved correct straight away. Bumrah removed the terrified looking debutant Nathan McSweeney in the first over, and Marnus Labuschagne decided to hide behind Pat Cummins as nightwatchman. This proved a mistake. Not only was Cummins quickly sent on his way by Mohammad Siraj, but with the last ball of the day, Labuschagne was trapped by Bumrah. While Steve Smith’s ever decreasing average is a concern for Australia, Marnus Labuschagne suffered ignominy and embarrassment at every stage of this match, and appears unable to make runs. This paved the way for an inevitable Indian victory, as, though the middle order showed fight, Australia’s task was simply too large.
The match also raises questions of the Australian bowling, with Lyon less consistent than normal, and the seamers less penetrative, especially Cummins, who looked utterly toothless.
While winning a series away in Australia is always a daunting task, India have made a fine start, and for onlookers from across the globe the series is beautifully set up after the first game.
“Marnus Labuschagne fielding at Perth Stadium, First Test Australia versus West Indies, 2 December 2022 01” by Calistemon is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.