Aussies Are Humbled in the First Game of BGT, India Take 1-0 Lead
In this blog we will review the first test match of on going BGT series and explore some performance of some key players of both sides.
The First Innings: Setting the Stage
India won the toss and chose to bat first in the opening Test at the Optus Stadium, a decision that would prove pivotal to the match's outcome. However, the start was far from ideal for the Men in Blue. The only in-form opener from India fell for a duck, and KL Rahul, despite struggling with form, managed to show some resistance. Unfortunately, the collapse continued at the other end, with no batter managing to score a fifty. Amid the chaos, debutant Nitish Reddy provided a glimmer of hope with a crucial 41 off 59 balls, helping India scrape to a total of 150. At this stage, it looked like it was going to be a long and challenging summer for the Indian team. But a wise mas said...
You can't judge a pitch until both teams have batted on it
When Australia came to bat in their first innings, they must have been thinking about setting a big total to crush India. Little did they know, Jasprit Bumrah was waiting for them with the new ball. His brilliant spell put Australia in a terrible position, as key players like Khawaja and Smith were dismissed for single-digit scores within the first 20 overs. By the time Australia’s batting half was dismissed for just 35 runs, the writing was on the wall. Labuschagne’s struggling innings ended at 2 off 52 balls, and with the tight bowling of Siraj and Rana, it was clear that Australia’s collapse was imminent. Mitchell Starc tried to resist with a gritty 26 off 112 balls, but it wasn’t enough. Australia were bowled out for just 104, chasing a target of 150, and India gained a significant upper hand, taking a crucial 46-run lead.
India Shine in the Second Innings: Batting at the Right Time
On Day 2, as Australia's last pair of batters took to the crease, it became clear that the pitch had undergone significant changes since Day 1. To highlight this, Australia's top 7 batters faced just 153 balls on Day 1, while Mitchell Starc alone faced 126 balls on Day 2. This shift in pitch conditions proved that India’s decision to bat first was a wise one, as the conditions were most favorable for batting on Day 2.
India’s batsmen capitalized on this opportunity. KL Rahul, who looked solid in the first innings, continued his form in the second. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal was determined to prove himself in Australian conditions. By the end of Day 2, both were unbeaten: Jaiswal on 90*(193), and Rahul on 62*(153) , making Australia’s bowlers weary. However, their troubles were far from over.
On Day 3, Jaiswal completed his maiden century in Australia, and Rahul soon followed with his fifty. Australia’s first wicket came in the 62nd over, with India already sitting on a mammoth total of 247. KL Rahul was dismissed for 25, bringing Virat Kohli to the crease. With India in a comfortable position, Kohli was free to play his natural game. Meanwhile, Jaiswal continued to dominate the Australian attack, reaching 161 before being dismissed.
At this stage, India’s batting lineup experienced a brief collapse. In a span of just 8 runs, three wickets fell, including dangerous players like Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel. However, Kohli’s long-awaited 81 century and a sparky innings from debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy helped India reach a commanding total of 486/6 at the close of play.
On Day 3, when India declared at 486/6, Australia came out to bat with a lot to do. The pitch had changed quite a bit since Day 1, and the Indian bowlers, led by Bumrah, were right on the money. Within the first 5 overs, Australia lost 3 wickets—McSweeney, P. Cummins, and Labuschagne were all back in the hut, and Australia was left struggling at 30/3.
Day 4 saw no relief for the Aussies. Despite some resistance from Ravis, who made 89 off 101 balls, and Marsh with 47 off 67, the Indian bowlers kept the pressure on. Australia’s lower order tried but couldn’t handle the intensity, and they were eventually bowled out for 238. India completely outplayed Australia, taking a commanding 1-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
How KL Rahul and Jaiswal Put Australia on the Backfoot
KL Rahul, who looked solid in the first innings, continued to show resilience in the second. His defense was tight, and when the opportunity arose, he took calculated risks. On the other hand, Yashasvi Jaiswal, with his debut nerves behind him, played with a flair that caught the Australians off guard. His aggressive approach and ability to handle the pressure pushed the Australian bowlers to their limits. Together, they built a strong partnership that frustrated the Aussie attack, leaving them searching for breakthroughs. The duo ensured Australia’s bowlers were put on the backfoot, setting a platform for India’s massive total.
Australia’s Pace Attack: Signs of Aging?
Australia’s once-feared pace attack, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, showed signs of wear in this Test. Both bowlers, known for their speed and swing, struggled to find the same rhythm they once did. The lack of early breakthroughs allowed India’s top order to settle, with Rahul and Jaiswal building solid partnerships without much pressure. Despite their experience, the Aussie pacers couldn’t exploit the conditions to their advantage, looking a step slower than usual.
With age and the increasing workload, their pace wasn’t as sharp, and the aggression that once defined them seemed lacking. This decline made Australia’s bowling attack appear vulnerable, as India’s batsmen capitalized on the opportunity to play confidently. The aging pacers were unable to break through, leaving Australia’s attack looking less intimidating against a solid Indian lineup.
The King’s Return: Kohli’s Crucial 81 Inspires India
Virat Kohli’s 81* was not just vital for India’s total, but for his own return to form. After a challenging period, this knock was a confidence booster for Kohli, signaling that he’s back to his best. While India was already in a strong position, Kohli’s form is crucial for their bigger goal—defeating Australia 4-0 to secure a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Kohli’s innings was a reminder of his class and composure, and his return to form is key to India’s ambitions in this series. His performance adds depth to India’s batting lineup, and with the WTC final in sight, Kohli’s revival couldn’t have come at a better time.
Jasprit Bumrah: The Defining Factor Between the Sides
Jasprit Bumrah was the game-changer in both innings. In the first, he led India’s attack with a crucial five-wicket haul, breaking Australia’s top order and setting the tone for India’s dominance. His relentless pressure and ability to strike at key moments made him the difference-maker.
In the second innings, Bumrah was just as impactful, taking three vital wickets and keeping Australia on the backfoot. His ability to bowl in tough situations and consistently break partnerships made him the key player in the match. Bumrah’s performance proved that, in a closely contested series, it's the bowler who can rise to critical moments who ultimately decides the game.
Conclusion: A Strong Start but Challenges Lie Ahead
India has made a strong start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a resounding victory in the first Test, but the road ahead is far from easy. Australia will come back harder, especially in the Pink Ball Test, where India’s past struggles could come into play. But with key players like Bumrah, Rahul, Jaiswal, and Kohli in form, India has shown they are ready for the challenge. This win gives them a crucial 1-0 lead, but the series is far from decided. India must stay focused and adapt to every situation, as the real test of their consistency and resilience lies ahead. 🔥