Lagatar24 Desk
PERTH: Australia’s fast bowlers dominated the opening day of the first Test in Perth, bundling India out for just 150 in the 50th over. Josh Hazlewood led the charge, taking four wickets, including key scalps in both morning and afternoon sessions, while Mitchell Marsh and Pat Cummins chipped in with two wickets each to deliver a commanding performance for the hosts.
India’s Struggle Against Pace
India started the post-Lunch session with some resistance as Dhruv Jurel and Washington Sundar tried to steady the innings. However, Marsh’s extra bounce proved lethal, dismissing Sundar and Jurel with sharp deliveries.
Rishabh Pant provided brief resistance, displaying his trademark aggression by attacking Cummins and hitting a flicked six over backward square leg. Debutant Nitish Reddy impressed with a composed start, executing some stylish shots, including reverse sweeps and an upper cut for six.
Despite their efforts, Pant fell to Cummins, who switched angles to induce an edge to Steve Smith at slip. Hazlewood cleaned up the tail with exceptional support from Marnus Labuschagne and Nathan McSweeney in the cordon, leaving India reeling.
Controversial Moments and Missed Opportunities
KL Rahul’s dismissal in the morning session stirred controversy, with the third umpire adjudging him caught behind despite replays showing ambiguity in the snicko. Nitish Reddy also had a lucky escape when Australia decided against reviewing a caught-behind appeal, only for replays to reveal contact with his gloves.
Notable Performances and India’s Collapse
•Josh Hazlewood: Four wickets, including Bumrah and Harshit Rana in the tail.
•Pat Cummins: Consistent breakthroughs, dismissing Pant and Nitish Reddy.
•Mitchell Marsh: Used bounce effectively to remove Sundar and Jurel.
•Nitish Reddy: Showed promise on debut, scoring 40+ with elegant stroke play.
India’s innings ended with quick dismissals, leaving the Australian bowlers firmly in control.
