Perth: India has achieved a historic 295-run victory over Australia in the First Test at Optus Stadium, Perth, a win that will go down as one of the most remarkable in the nation's cricketing history.
This victory, alongside previous iconic wins at the Gabba in 2021, Perth in 2008, and Adelaide in 2003, is a testament to India’s resilience, tactical brilliance, and unwavering spirit.
Australia, having resumed Day 4 of the Test at 12/3, needed a staggering 487 to win. With a relatively inexperienced batting lineup facing one of the quickest and most testing pitches in world cricket, the task ahead was daunting.
However, despite a valiant fightback from Mitchell Marsh (47) and Travis Head (89), India’s bowlers dismantled the Australian resistance, and the hosts were eventually bowled out for 238, handing India an emphatic victory.
The final breakthrough came in the 58th over when Harshit Rana, who had been impressive throughout, bowled a magical slower ball to dismiss Alex Carey for 36.
The delivery completely fooled Carey, who was looking to defend the ball, but instead saw his stumps shattered. This wicket sealed the 295-run victory for India, leaving Australia’s hopes of a miraculous recovery in tatters.
Earlier in the day, Australia's innings appeared to be gaining momentum, largely due to the defiant efforts of Marsh and Head. After the early loss of wickets, the two key Australian batsmen took charge. Head, in particular, played an aggressive knock, unfurling some lovely pull shots against the Indian pace attack, especially off Jasprit Bumrah.
Marsh, too, played a gritty innings, with a mix of solid drives and an occasional lofted shot to keep the scoreboard ticking.
However, Bumrah, who had been relentless with his pace and precision, put an end to Head’s counterattack. With a clever strategy of targeting Head with straight deliveries, Bumrah managed to force the left-hander into a false stroke, eventually having him caught behind for 89. This wicket proved pivotal, as it broke the back of Australia’s middle order.
The loss of Head’s wicket paved the way for India to strike again. The debutant, Nitish Reddy, who had already impressed with his temperament, took his first-ever Test wicket, dismissing Marsh. The delivery, a back-of-a-length ball outside off-stump, unexpectedly kept low, and Marsh, attempting a cut shot, edged it onto the stumps. Reddy’s maiden wicket was a big moment, dampening any hopes that Australia may have had of a fightback.
With the Australian tail exposed, India’s bowlers took charge. Washington Sundar was the next to strike, producing a crucial wicket of Mitchell Starc, who had come to the crease with the task of stabilising the innings.
Sundar’s ball, which was angled in from around the wicket, clipped Starc’s bat and flew to short leg, where Dhruv Jurel took a stunning one-handed catch. Starc’s dismissal left Australia at 227/8, and with no recognised batsman left, the writing was on the wall.
At this point, Australia was hanging on by a thread. Carey was still at the crease, but with no significant support from the tail, it was clear that the game was slipping away. Rana’s breakthrough to dismiss Carey for 36 in the final session effectively sealed Australia’s fate.
What made India’s victory even more special was the adversity they faced coming into this Test. Missing key players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mohammed Shami, India’s squad was short on experience, and there were concerns about their ability to handle the pressure, particularly in the batting department. Virat Kohli, struggling for form, added to the uncertainty.
India also came off a humiliating 0-3 series loss to New Zealand at home, a result that added to the doubts surrounding their chances in Australia, especially at a venue like Optus Stadium, renowned for its pace and bounce. The pitch on Day 1 offered plenty of grass, and the conditions were ideal for swing, which raised questions about whether India’s inexperienced batsmen could cope with the Australian attack.
Yet, despite these challenges, India defied the odds. The team was bolstered by the contributions of debutants, with players like Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana stepping up when it mattered. India’s bowling unit, led by Bumrah’s sharp pace and Sundar’s spin, displayed remarkable control, and their relentless pressure eventually wore down the Australian resistance.
India’s ability to adapt to the conditions was also a key factor in their success. Bumrah’s mastery over length and pace was evident in his spells, especially in the critical middle session. Sundar’s calm and composed approach, especially in breaking partnerships, was equally important in stifling Australia’s progress.
With this remarkable victory, India not only secured a commanding 295-run win but also made a statement in the ongoing series, showing that they can compete and win even in the most challenging of circumstances. The Australian team, despite their spirited fight, were left with little to show for their efforts against an India side that delivered one of the most dominant performances in recent history.
