FIERY START IN PERTH TO BORDER-GAVASKAR TROPHY

Cricket’s a game of uncertainty and it was proved yet again on a topsy-turvy but thrilling first day of the much anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. On a surface that tested every ounce of skill and grit, the pendulum swung wildly before Jasprit Bumrah and his bowling compatriots turned the game on its head.

At stumps, Australia was left in tatters at 67-7, trailing by 83 runs after India’s underwhelming firstinnings total of 150. Few could have predicted this astonishing transformation after India’s early struggles, but as the dust settled, the opening honours of this heavyweight clash belonged to the visitors.

Jasprit Bumrah’s decision to bat first on a visibly green pitch at the Optus Stadium, Perth, stirred a fair bit of debate. Many cricket experts, including the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, criticized the move, citing India’s fragile batting lineup, which had struggled in their recent 3-0 series loss to New Zealand. Gavaskar argued that opting to bowl would have been a safer and more strategic decision, especially given the helpful conditions for seamers.

These criticisms appeared justified as India found themselves reeling at 73 for 6 midway through the second session. The Australian pacers, led by Pat Cummins ,Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, capitalized on the lively surface, putting the Indian batters under immense pressure. The fear of being skittled out for a doubledigit score loomed large.

Starc, in particular, showcased his best form, maintaining a consistent line and troubling batters with sharp movement, especially against the left-handers. His fitness and rhythm, after overcoming injury concerns last season, were evident in this spell that pinned India down.

Earlier, after the loss of two early wickets, the Indian crowd pinned its hopes on Virat Kohli, who was greeted with loud cheers. The former captain, seeking to rediscover his magic at a venue where he had produced a masterclass in the 2018-19 series, looked to use his tried-andtested strategy of batting outside the crease to counter the swing. But Hazlewood bowling back of a length to exploit the pitch’s bounce got Kohli to edge a rising delivery to slip, sending India into deeper trouble and leaving the top order in tatters.

However, a gritty effort from wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy ensured India reached a total of respectability. Their partnership of 48 runs for the seventh wicket not only steadied the innings but also gave India a fighting chance. Nitish, showing composure beyond his years, impressed with his ability to negotiate both pace and bounce. He top scored with 41, supported ably by Pant’s 37.

Indian innings was also marked by a DRS controversy as well when K.L Rahul, looking solid at the crease, was given out by the third umpire caught behind. The on-field decision was reversed, even though there was no conclusive evidence, since the bat had hit the pad as well while the ball passed the bat. Experts suggested that it was perhaps too quick a decision by the third umpire who should have looked at other possible angles as well to determine clearly whether the ball hit the bat!

Defending a modest total, India needed early breakthroughs and Bumrah delivered in spectacular fashion. The ace pacer bowled with pace and precision, sending Nathan Mcsweeney, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith back to the pavilion within his first few overs. Mohammed Siraj and debutant Harshit Rana complemented Bumrah’s brilliance by maintaining relentless pressure.

The Australian middle order had no answers, with Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne falling cheaply too. Bumrah returned for a second spell, after a double strike by Siraj had Australia on the floor, only to clean up Pat Cummins late in the third session. His figures of 4-17 in 10 overs underlined his mastery on a wicket tailormade for fast bowlers.

The day ended with India in an unexpected position of strength. Despite their batting frailties, their bowling unit ensured the team grabbed the initiative in this high-stakes contest. The pitch, which offered uneven bounce and sharp seam movement, continued to assist the bowlers, suggesting that survival on Day 2 would remain a challenge.

While India holds the upper hand, the contest is far from over. With only three Australian wickets remaining, India will aim to wrap up the innings quickly and build a sizable lead in their second outing. But for sure, Australia’s bowlers will be itching to replicate their first-innings heroics to bring their side back into the game.

As the cricketing world braces for Day 2, one thing is certain- this Test match will deliver drama and skill that makes this rivalry one of the fiercest in the sport!

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Siddhaarth Mahan The writer is a specialist on Sports and Cinema who works as an actor in the Hindi film industry