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The opening day of the Perth Test between India and Australia was a spectacle of fast-paced cricket, unlike anything witnessed in recent times. The match wasn't defined by high-scoring batting extravaganzas, but rather by the sheer dominance of the pace bowlers on both sides. Seventeen wickets tumbled on the opening day, a testament to the skill and aggression displayed by the fast bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins, two of the best in the modern game. The pitch, while contributing to the high wicket count, wasn't solely responsible for the dramatic outcome. The aggressive intent set from the toss, where both captains showed a keen desire to test their batting lineups against the opposition's formidable pace attack, set the tone for the day's events. This created a fascinating contest where batsmen found themselves on the back foot almost constantly, struggling to cope with the relentless pace and accuracy.
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, Australia's new-ball bowlers, were in exceptional rhythm. Their pace and accuracy were immediately evident, with Starc striking first by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal early. Hazlewood followed suit, outwitting Devdutt Padikkal with his impeccable length and subtle variations in angle. The Australian bowlers exhibited control and calculated aggression, expertly targeting the weak points of the Indian batting lineup. Even Virat Kohli, despite his usual aggressive reputation, looked unsettled and ultimately fell prey to Hazlewood's skill. His desperate attempt to counter the lengths of the Australian fast bowlers, positioning himself well outside his crease, led to his dismissal. Although KL Rahul showed some resistance, his dismissal was significant, as it left India vulnerable during a crucial phase of the innings. While Rahul's contribution is certainly up for discussion, India’s lower-order provided some unexpected defiance.
Nitish Kumar Reddy stood out for India in the lower-order, showcasing exceptional composure and attacking prowess against the formidable Australian pace attack. He exhibited remarkable ease in both defense and attack, proving to be one of the most impressive Indian batsmen on Australian soil recently. Rishabh Pant, known for his maverick style, responded to the challenges posed by the Australian pace battery with his own unique approach; he displayed his characteristic risk-taking temperament rather than succumbing to the pressure of the dominant home team. Despite their efforts, India's first innings total of 150 seemed inadequate until Jasprit Bumrah took center stage in his second match as captain. The spell bowled by the Indian captain proved to be one of the most remarkable displays of fast bowling seen in recent times. It is easy to point out moments of genius from past bowlers, but what Bumrah showcased in this match transcended pure skill; it was a strategic mastery of pace, accuracy, and psychological warfare.
Bumrah wasn't just leading from the front, he was dictating the terms of engagement. He seemed to have a statement to make with every delivery, generating numerous plays and misses before dismantling the Australian batting lineup. He dismissed Nathan McSweeney with an inswinger and then removed the typically formidable Usman Khawaja. A masterful delivery then trapped Steve Smith leg-before-wicket. His spell only failed to yield even more wickets because of a dropped catch by Kohli. While Marnus Labuschagne remained in the crease, he barely troubled the scorers, unable to provide any meaningful resistance to the relentless pressure exerted by the Indian pace attack. This marked a sharp contrast to the comparatively stronger performance put on display by the Indian lower order. In essence, the day saw Test cricket played at a breathtaking pace, but with the pace bowlers taking control – a masterclass in the art of fast bowling.
Source: It was Test cricket on speed on the opening day in Perth