Perth: India delivered a commanding performance on the morning of Day 2, bundling Australia out for just 104 in 51.2 overs and gaining a vital 46-run lead on Saturday.
Jasprit Bumrah and debutant Harshit Rana led the charge with a superb display of fast bowling that dismantled the Australian lineup.
Skipper Jasprit Bumrah showcased his class once again, claiming his 11th five-wicket haul in Test cricket with stunning figures of 6 for 30. Setting the tone early, he dismissed Alex Carey (21) with his first delivery of the day, a perfect ball that induced an edge to Rishabh Pant.
Bumrah’s relentless precision and leadership proved too much for the Australian batsmen, who crumbled under pressure.
Rana, making his Test debut, complemented Bumrah with an aggressive spell, taking 3 for 48. He wrapped up the Australian innings by removing Mitchell Starc for a gritty 26 off 112 balls. Rana’s sharp bouncer earlier in the day had struck Starc on the helmet, and his good-length delivery later tempted Starc into an ill-timed slog that ended in Pant’s gloves.
Rana also accounted for Nathan Lyon (5), underlining his potential with an impressive first outing.
Starc offered the only real resistance for Australia’s lower order, holding on bravely despite taking several blows. His 26 helped delay the inevitable but could not reduce the deficit significantly. Josh Hazlewood edged one boundary but was unable to build a partnership with Starc before the innings folded.
Bumrah’s performance marked a historic moment as he became the first Indian captain since Anil Kumble in 2007 to take a five-wicket haul in Tests. Australia’s collapse was dramatic, with their last five wickets falling for just 23 runs in the session.
The pitch continues to offer significant assistance to seamers, but the bright sunshine may ease batting conditions slightly as the day progresses. India will look to consolidate their lead in the post-lunch session and build a commanding total to put Australia under immense pressure in the second innings.
Brief Scores:
Australia 104 all out in 51.2 overs (Mitchell Starc 26, Alex Carey 21; Jasprit Bumrah 5/30, Harshit Rana 3/48); India lead by 46 runs.
