The result was a bitter blow for Australia, who have not won a Test series against India since 2015, and raises concerns about their top-order form.
India crush Australia by 295 runs in Perth to take 1-0 lead in test series. India delivered a dominant performance to defeat Australia by a massive 295 runs on the fourth day of the first Test at Perth Stadium, taking a crucial 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Chasing a challenging target, Australia was bowled out for just 238, as India’s pace attack and spinners dismantled the Australian batting lineup in a comprehensive display.
Resuming the day at a precarious 12-3, Australia’s hopes of a fightback quickly faded as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj struck early. Siraj removed Usman Khawaja for just five, and Bumrah sent Steve Smith packing for 17, leaving Australia reeling. Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47) briefly revived Australia’s innings with a spirited partnership, but Bumrah and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy swiftly broke the stand, dismissing both in quick succession.
India’s spinners, led by Washington Sundar, also played their part, with Sundar claiming key wickets, including that of Mitchell Starc. The match ended when Nitish Rana’s deceptive slower ball trapped Alex Carey, sealing an emphatic victory for India.
The result was a bitter blow for Australia, who have not won a Test series against India since 2015, and raises concerns about their top-order form. Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne have now gone without a century in their last several Tests, while debutant Nathan McSweeney’s lack of runs in this match has sparked further debate over his place in the side.
For India, this win moves them closer to securing a place in the World Test Championship final. With three wins needed from the remaining four matches, the visitors have put themselves in a strong position to challenge for the top spot, while Australia faces an uphill battle to reclaim control of the series.
The second Test in Adelaide, starting December 6, will be pivotal, as Australia looks to bounce back on home soil, where they’ve enjoyed a dominant record in recent years.
