Lagatar24 Desk
Perth: Jasprit Bumrah delivered a captain’s masterclass, claiming five wickets as India bowled out Australia for just 104 runs on Day 2 of the Perth Test. This performance gave India a first-innings lead of 46 runs, with Bumrah becoming only the fifth Indian captain to achieve a five-wicket haul in Tests.
Bumrah’s Heroics and Early Breakthroughs
Starting the day at 76/6, Australia’s hopes rested on Alex Carey, the leading run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield. However, Bumrah struck with the first ball of the morning, dismissing Carey with an edge to Rishabh Pant. Harshit Rana, complementing Bumrah’s aggression, troubled the Australian tail with hard lengths and fiery pace, eventually removing Nathan Lyon with a gloved catch to KL Rahul at third slip.
Stubborn Tail-End Resistance
Australia’s final-wicket partnership between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood frustrated India, contributing 25 runs across 18 overs. The pair’s defiance dragged Australia past 100 runs, as Hazlewood ducked out of short balls while Starc confidently middled deliveries.
India’s pacers, including Mohammed Siraj and debutant Nitish Reddy, kept the pressure on with relentless short-ball tactics. However, it was Bumrah and Rana who returned to break the partnership just before lunch. Rana induced a top-edge from Starc, which Pant caught running forward, ending Australia’s innings.
Bumrah’s Legacy as Captain
With this spell, Bumrah cemented his place in the history books as one of the few Indian captains to claim a five-wicket haul in Tests. His leadership with the ball ensured India seized control of the match, putting the visitors in a commanding position.
