India Takes Command in 1st Test Against Australia as Bumrah Leads the Charge

The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia has seen a dramatic start, with India gaining a significant upper hand by the end of Day 2. On Day 1, India, after winning the toss and electing to bat, was bowled out for a modest 150 runs. Nitish Reddy was the top scorer with 41 runs, while Rishabh Pant contributed 37 runs. Australia’s Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 29 runs.

In response, Australia’s batting lineup crumbled under the intense pressure from India’s bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah, leading India in the absence of Rohit Sharma, delivered a sensational spell, taking 4 wickets for just 17 runs from 10 overs. By the end of Day 1, Australia was reeling at 67 for 7, trailing India by 83 runs.

On Day 2, Australia’s tailenders struggled to mount a significant resistance. Despite a valiant effort from Mitchell Starc, who top-scored with 26 runs, Australia was eventually bowled out for 104 runs. Harshit Rana took the final wicket, ensuring India secured a 46-run lead in the first innings.

The match has also highlighted the ongoing struggles of cricketing giants Virat Kohli and Steve Smith. Both players had a tough day on the field, with Kohli being dismissed for just 5 runs and dropping a catch, while Smith fell to Bumrah’s bowling early in his innings.

As the series progresses, the focus will be on how both teams manage their batting lineups and whether they can overcome the early setbacks to make a strong comeback in the remaining matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.