India vs Australia First Test
The first match of the 5-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series between India and Australia is underway at the Optus Stadium in Perth. With Rohit Sharma unavailable, Jasprit Bumrah is leading the Indian team. Winning the toss, Bumrah opted to bat first. However, India’s innings started poorly, losing three wickets for just 32 runs in under 90 minutes. On the first day of the Perth Test, India managed to score 150 runs in their first innings, with no batter managing to reach a half-century.
Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rishabh Pant were the only players to provide some resistance.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Impresses on Debut
Under Bumrah’s captaincy, two young players made their Test debut for India. Among them, Nitish Kumar Reddy stood out by delivering a commendable performance in his first international Test match. Batting lower down the order, Reddy played a crucial role in preventing a complete collapse, partnering with wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant to help India reach a respectable total of 150.
Reddy top-scored for Team India, making 41 runs off 59 balls, including six boundaries and a six. His knock not only added vital runs but also showcased his potential as a dependable lower-order batter.
India Loses Seventh Wicket in Perth
India suffered another blow in the first Test against Australia at Perth when Rishabh Pant was dismissed for 37. Pant fell to Pat Cummins, caught by Steve Smith at slip, leaving India at 121/7.
Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy Stabilize India’s Innings
After losing six wickets for just 73 runs, India faced the danger of being bowled out under 100. However, Rishabh Pant and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy steadied the innings, taking the team past the 100-run mark with a determined partnership.
India’s Batting Collapse in 32 Overs
In just 32 overs, India lost six wickets, managing to score 73 runs. Rishabh Pant was batting on 17, having hit two boundaries off 42 balls. Despite the shaky start, Pant and Reddy showed resilience.
Openers Fail, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal Out for Ducks
India’s troubles began early when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck. Devdutt Padikkal, who came in at number three, also failed to open his account after facing 23 defensive deliveries. Both players were sent back cheaply, leaving India reeling.
Following the openers, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were expected to stabilize the innings. However, Kohli misjudged a delivery from Josh Hazlewood and was caught by Usman Khawaja, reducing India to 32/3 within the first 90 minutes of play.
Three Players Make Debuts in the Perth Test
The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s first Test began at Perth’s Optus Stadium, where Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah won the toss and opted to bat. The match saw three debutants—two from India and one from Australia. For India, Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana made their Test debuts, while Devdutt Padikkal was also given a chance.
Notably, senior players Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were left out, with Washington Sundar playing as the sole specialist spinner in the lineup.
Joel Embiid Knee Swelling Update: 76ers Star to Miss Back-to-Back Games for Recovery