Australia’s first-innings total of 104 in Perth is their second-lowest in home Tests against India, only behind their infamous 83 all-out in Melbourne in 1981. This also marks their third-lowest home total since 1985 and their fourth-lowest overall against India. The collapse highlights the dominance of the Indian bowling attack on a surface known to favor batters historically.

India secure 46-run lead despite modest batting performance

India’s first-innings score of 150 gave them a significant 46-run lead, the fifth-highest lead in Test history by a team scoring 150 or less while batting first. The record remains England's 71-run lead against Australia in the 1888 Sydney Test after being bowled out for just 113. This marks only the third instance of India claiming a first-innings lead after scoring 150 or less, the other two being Hamilton (2002) and Lord’s (1936).

Australia’s top order falter with lowest contribution in decades

Australia’s top six batters managed just 37 runs in the first innings—their lowest contribution in a home Test since scoring 22 runs against West Indies in Brisbane in 1978. The combined efforts of both teams’ top five batters in the first innings aggregated only 97 runs, the lowest in a Test since the 67 runs by India and West Indies in the 1987 Delhi Test.

Partnerships struggle to survive in low-scoring match

Only two partnerships in the first two innings of the match survived ten or more overs, underlining the challenging conditions. Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy added a crucial 48 runs for India’s seventh wicket, while Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood fought hard for a 26-run stand for Australia’s tenth wicket. A staggering 18 partnerships fell for less than 20 runs, equaling the record for a men’s Test match.

Bumrah shines as captain with record-breaking 5-wicket haul

Jasprit Bumrah’s 5 for 30 in Perth was a historic spell, making him the first Indian captain since Anil Kumble in 2007 to claim a five-wicket haul in Tests. This was Bumrah’s ninth five-for outside Asia, tying him with Kapil Dev for the most by an Indian in such conditions. Notably, this was Bumrah’s second five-wicket haul in Australia, with the others spread across England, South Africa, and West Indies.

See Also: Tilak Varma scripts history with record-breaking 151 in SMAT

Lowest aggregate first-innings total in over 40 years

The combined first-innings total of 254 runs by both teams—India’s 150 and Australia’s 104—is the lowest in a Test match in Australia since the 1981 WACA Test between Australia and Pakistan, which saw a combined score of 242 runs.

Veteran India batter Virat Kohli dropped an easy catch in the second slip to give life to star Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne on Friday (November 22). This happened on the last ball of the third over of Australia’s first innings, which was bowled by star India pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

The ball also kissed the edge of Labuschagne’s bat, when he was batting on 0 at that time, and the ball went straight to Kohli, who was fielding at second slip. The veteran collected the ball well, but then it slipped out of his hand, which gave a lifeline to the Australian batter.

The video of Kohli dropping the catch has gone viral on the internet.

Virat Kohli dropped a sitter

One of the more extraordinary drops you'll see! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/LdxmEYeWQx

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2024

SEE ALSO: Manjrekar slams 'poor supply of technology' after KL Rahul's controversial dismissal

However, Marnus Labuschagne came to bat at No. 3 in the first Test after Jasprit Bumrah trapped debutant Nathan McSweeney before the stumps on the third ball of his second over. McSweeney managed to score 10 runs from 13 balls. After dismissing him, Bumrah, in his fourth over of the first inning, dismissed veteran Australian batters Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith on consecutive deliveries. While Khawaja was caught in the slip by Kohli for a mere 8 runs from 19 balls, Bumrah removed Smith for a golden duck.

However, the life of Marnus Labuschagne could pose trouble to the Indian team as he is known for his composed knocks. Meanwhile, he took 24 balls `to open his account. Currently, he is batting at 2 off 45 balls.

India got all out for 150

Earlier in the first two sessions of the first day’s play, Australian bowlers successfully dismissed India for just 150 runs. For Team India, debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy top-scored with 41 runs. However, he was the last Indian batter to get out in the first inning where he added 48 runs for the eighth wicket with Rishabh Pant, who smashed 37 runs from 78 balls after coming out to bat at No. 5 as well.

On the other hand, in his maiden Test innings against Australia, talented India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to open his account as he got out for an eight-ball duck by Mitchell Starc. 

There were a lot of expectations from the veteran India batter Virat Kohli, who came to bat at No. 4 but the former Indian captain could only manage 5 runs by Hazlewood. However, Kohli has been going through a tough phase and he failed to do well during the home Test series against New Zealand as well. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the rest of the series as well.

Extra bounce from Hazlewood - Kohli's back in the sheds for five #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/6M5DjgOqrV

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2024

For Australia, Josh Hazlewood claimed four wickets for 29 runs in 13 overs, whereas Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Marsh picked up 2 wickets each.

India's talented batter Yashasvi Jaiswal shared veteran batter Virat Kohli's advice to him when he made his debut for the national team. Jaiswal revealed Kohli's advice to him as he is touring Australia for the first time. Jaiswal also expressed his admiration for Virat Kohli and said that the veteran also advised him to be disciplined and follow the process. However, Team India are all set to play against Australia for the five-match Test series of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

"I feel like I will be better day by day" - Yashasvi Jaiswal

"When I started playing like senior cricket, I did speak to Virat Paji that how he managed himself. Paji has said to me that if I want to play all that cricket, then I have to be disciplined in my daily routines and follow the process. So I have seen him doing the stuff consistently day by day. Actually, seeing him, it motivates me a lot to put in the work and do something and make a difference in my habits, which is really important for me. I feel like I will be better day by day," Jaiswal said in a video posted by BCCI.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been often spotted training along with the legendary batter Virat Kohli in the nets as he aims to follow in the footsteps of Kohli. Before the ongoing Test, he has scored 1,407 runs at an average of 56.28, with a strike rate of 70.13. He has three tons and eight fifties to his name, with the best score of 214* as well.

SEE ALSO: “Pacers leading teams should happen more”: Pat Cummins

While he was excited about his very first Test tour to Australia, he failed to do well in the first innings. He could face 8 balls only before Mitchell Starc sent him in. On the other hand, Virat Kohli too failed to step up and his poor form continued. He could manage 5 runs off 12 balls before Hazlewood dismissed him as well.

"It is my first trip to Australia. I am very excited to play here" - Yashasvi Jaiswal

"It is my first trip to Australia. I am very excited to play here. I want to play well and do well. It is different here. The ball is different, the wicket is different. But I think we know that. I think we are ready mentally. I really want to be in. I want to go in. I want to see it. I want to be there. Because people, a lot of time they talk about stuff. This happened, that happened. But I want to go and face it and I want to enjoy that moment with a smile. That is all I think about. Because until you are not there, you actually do not really feel what it is. I always see it this way. And it is always an opportunity for me to go out there and learn," he added.

"And I try my best to sleep well and eat well before the practice, I focus on recovery. And I try to be fresh for practice sessions," he again shared. "I am really blessed to have these opportunities, and I am ready for it mentally, physically. I want to play fearless and I want to enjoy," he concluded.

Australian captain Pat Cummins is confident that Australia will be winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The series will see five Tests for the first time. Before the first Test on 22nd November in Perth, Cummins spoke to the media in a Press Conference where he expressed his excitement, saying, "It would be great to win the Border Gavaskar Trophy. India are a great side, but we are prepared."

When he was asked about the series, Pat Cummins shared that while India is a tough team, Australia are well-prepared for the much-awaited challenges. The BGT is always a big contest, and winning it would be a huge achievement for Australia. 

“Having five Tests for the first time here is big,” he said.

Bumrah and the rise of pace bowlers leading teams

However, Pat Cummins shared his view on pace bowlers taking the lead role in teams. He strongly believes that pace bowlers should play a key role in leading teams, especially in Test cricket. On Jasprit Bumrah captaining India in the first test, Cummins said, “It should happen more (pacers leading teams),”.

SEE ALSO: Mohammed Shami takes a dig at Sanjay Manjrekar after his IPL prediction

Pat Cummins also spoke about the all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, claiming that he will bowl in this Test series as well. Marsh’s role will be important to Australia’s balance during the series. He also praised Alex Carey.

“He’ll definitely bowl in this Test. He’s an all-rounder. With four pacers, we didn’t want our all-rounders to bowl a lot of overs,” he said. “Alex Carey has been brilliant. He has been really impressive and in a good place.”

Pat Cummins praised Nitish Reddy

He also shared his thoughts on the talented youngster Nitish Reddy as well. He said that Reddy is a talented cricketer who can swing the ball and has great potential as well. Notably, both have played together in IPL team SRH in 2024.

“He is an impressive youngster, he can swing the ball.” Pat Cummins said.

Star India pacer Mohammed Shami wasn't pleased seeing Sanjay Manjrekar sharing his views on Shami's potential bid in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Shami, who remains one of the most important pacers in the Indian spectrum, slammed Manjrekar after the latter predicted a drop in the pacer's price tag at the upcoming IPL auction as well.

While Manjrekar has no doubts that there would be a lot of teams who will be after Shami in the auction, he doesn't feel the pacer would bag more than INR 6.25 crore as well, as he was bought by the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2022 auction.

Shami could fetch a good bit in the IPL 2025 auction

"There will definitely be interest from teams, but given Shami's injury history — and this recent one took a significant amount of time to recover — there's always a concern about a potential breakdown during the season," Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports. "If a franchise invests heavily and then loses him mid-season, their options become limited. This concern might lead to a drop in his price tag."

Meanwhile, Shami didn't take it well and shared a post mocking Manjrekar.

"Baba Ki Jay Hooooo. Thoda sa gyan apne futue ke liye bhi bacha lo kaam ayeaga Sanjy G. Kisi ko futue janna ho to sir se mile (Save a little wisdom for your own future. If anyone wants to know their future, do contact 'baba ji')," Shami wrote in an Instagram story.

Mohammad Shami's Instagram story. pic.twitter.com/PIruQ4oRcS

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 21, 2024

SEE ALSO: 'Gautam Gambhir is already frightened' - Ricky Ponting takes a fresh jibe ahead of BGT

However, Shami returned to competitive cricket after a long injury layoff. After the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Shami was the highest wicket-taker, he has been missing from the action due to several injury issues. He finally returned with a Ranji Trophy game recently for Bengal. BCCI selectors were reportedly happy to see him fit as well. However, Shami is not yet being sent to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Notably, Shami has registered for a base price of Rs 2 crore for the IPL 2025 auction. And, he was picked by Gujarat Titans in 2022 for Rs 6.25 crore as well.

Mohammed Shami could return during the second half of the BGT series

Earlier, a report in news agency PTI stated that Mohammed Shami could return to International cricket during the second half of the series.

“Bengal team for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will be selected tomorrow. If Shami is not going for Border Gavaskar Trophy, I believe he will be available for Bengal,” head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla told PTI.

However, it is understood that the selection committee doesn't want to hurry with Shami after just one Ranji Trophy match as well. Meanwhile, Shami, who appeared in a competitive match after a year, was impressive in his bowling for Bengal against Madhya Pradesh at Indore, returning with a seven-wicket match haul in Bengal's first victory of the season as well.

IND vs AUS Match Preview

Following a crushing 3-0 home defeat to New Zealand, India now faces the daunting task of a five-match Test series in Australia. With their spot in the World Cup final in jeopardy following the loss, India will be under pressure to turn things around. On the other hand, Australia is going to be eager to reclaim its pride after losing its final two home Test series to India. The action begins in Perth, which is known for its fast and bouncy surface. Given India's current form and Australia's stronghold at home, the hosts are expected to have the advantage in the series opener.

IND vs AUS Match Details

India vs Australia – 1st Match, Test Match

Venue: Perth Stadium, Burswood

Date & Time: 22nd November 2024 at 07:50 AM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

IND vs AUS Venue Stats

IND vs AUS Pitch Report

The pitch is expected to have a thick grass cover, which will benefit quick bowlers in the first test.  It should offer good pace and additional bounce to trouble batsmen on both sides. Bowlers will also notice good seam movement, especially with the new ball in play.

IND vs AUS Weather Report

The weather is expected to be sunny, warm, and clear for the five-day test, with light winds at times. It should be a pleasant morning session.

IND vs AUS Last Five Matches

IND vs AUS Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Wyatt-Hodge backs England to revive fearless after T20 World Cup criticism

IND vs AUS Probable Playing XIs:

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

India Probable Playing XIs

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

Topmost Picks for IND vs AUS Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – India

• Rishabh Pant – Rishabh Pant, who averages 62.40 in Australia is expected to continue his excellent form after his return to international cricket.
• Mohammed Siraj – Mohammed Siraj had a disappointing outing, going for runs and collecting just 1 wicket in the whole match.

Top Picks – Australia

• Travis Head – Travis Head, another standout player, has delivered consistently in Tests, averaging 42 with a strike rate of 78 in his last 30 matches.
• Josh Hazlewood – Josh Hazlewood’s 51 wickets against India at an average of 26.94 make him a potent weapon. 

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for IND vs AUS Dream11 Team:

Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli(C), Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins(VC), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for IND vs AUS Dream11 Team:

Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Steve Smith, Travis Head(C), Ravindra Jadeja(VC), Mitchell Marsh, Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Mohammed Siraj

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Virat Kohli, Travis Head

Vice-captain – Pat Cummins, Ravindra Jadeja

Wicketkeeper – Rishabh Pant

IND vs AUS Probable Winners:

Australia has yet to lose a game at the Optus Stadium in Perth. They're the home team, and they cover the majority of the bases. India, on the opposite hand, would have been shaken by their home series defeat to New Zealand. They are also missing two of their top batters. The guests have their work cut out for them. Their greatest chance will be if their fast bowlers can get through Australia's inconsistent batting lineup. However, based on both teams' strengths and weaknesses, we believe Australia will dominate this contest. Considering the team combination, India is expected to win this match.

Star India batter Virat Kohli returns to Perth, where it all started. It was way back in 2012 that Kohli first made headlines with his fiery batting. Now, older, mature and less consistent, he returns to Perth again as India prepares for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener as well.

Kohli’s journey at the WACA started way back in 2012 when, as a 23-year-old, he responded to the criticism, top-scoring with 44 on a tough and bouncy WACA pitch, he showed his skill, scoring 75 in the second innings despite India’s defeat as well. Now, in 2024, he once again returned to the same ground, looking to find his old form.

However, Virat Kohli’s recent performances, with only two centuries in five years and a poor average, have raised eyebrows as well. Meanwhile, Australian media, which is supportive of the home team, has backed Kohli since their arrival. This support contrasts with the past incidents, especially that which Kohli faced after he clashed with a Sydney crowd.

Notably, in 2012, Australian players sledged Kohli but he scored a century in Adelaide, saying, “Responding verbally and then scoring a century makes it even sweeter.” He also criticized the SCG crowd for their behavior, adding, “Don’t get drunk and abuse players.”

SEE ALSO: Star player dropped as India women announced squad for Australia series

Virat Kohli returns to Perth to regain his form

While Perth and Adelaide in 2012 played a key role in Kohli’s rise, it was Adelaide in 2014 that helped him seal his place in the side. Kohli scored centuries in both innings, including a stunning 141 under tough conditions. His knock grabbed eyeballs and fans praised Kohli’s aggressive spirit, especially how he played against Mitchell Johnson, alongside his fiery 169 at the MCG during the Boxing Day Test.

In 2018, at Optus Stadium, he scored 123 off 257 balls. Although India lost that Test, his leadership helped them win the series 2-1 as well. In December 2020, Kohli played only the first Test before returning home for the birth of his child as well. He scored 74 off 180 balls before being run out. However, India won the series 2-1 under Ajinkya Rahane's captaincy in his absence.

Virat Kohli could break a few records

Meanwhile, he is on the verge of achieving several milestones in the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, he can go past the former India head coach Rahul Dravid on the list of India's highest run-getters in the longer format against Australia. Currently, Kohli has 2042 runs and needs only 125 runs to overtake Dravid on the elite list.

However, batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar has scored 3630 runs in 39 matches whereas VVS Laxman took 29 matches to score 2434 runs. Rahul Dravid smashed 2143 runs in 32 matches whereas star India batter Cheteshwar Pujara also scored 2074 runs in 25 matches so far as well. And, Virat Kohli has a great chance to surpass them as he has 2042 runs in his name so far.

It will be interesting to see how he performs in the place where it all began.

Veteran Australian batter Travis Head has applauded star India pacer Jasprit Bumrah as India's X-factor and one of the most challenging bowlers to play across all formats. With Rohit Sharma yet to join the team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener, Bumrah will lead India in the first Test. This would mark the second time when Jasprit Bumrah leads India in Test cricket, the first being against England in 2021 as well. Despite limited captaincy experience, his skills with the ball remain Australia's primary concern.

Jasprit Bumrah to play a key role for India

The speedster, known for his lethal yorkers, and ability to swing the ball both ways, has troubled every batter in all conditions. His Test record in Australia is pretty impressive, with 32 wickets in 7 matches which came at an average of 21.25. Head also referred to Bumrah as "impossible" to predict, lauding his ability to stay ahead of batters.

"You try to feel like you're one step ahead, but it always feels like he's that next step," Head said while speaking to Fox Cricket. "Any format of the game, he's incredible. In big moments you want big players, and I think he's their biggest. You've got your work cut out as a batter," Head added.

Meanwhile, opener Usman Khawaja also backed Head, recalling his first encounter with Bumrah's deceptive action.

SEE ALSO: 'Gautam Gambhir is already frightened' - Ricky Ponting takes a fresh jibe ahead of BGT

"When I first faced Bumrah, I was like, 'Oh where did that come from?' It comes at you a little bit quicker than you expect because of the awkwardness of his action and how he releases the ball," Khawaja said. "Much like Mitchell Johnson, he had a weird action too. The ball used to come out and felt like it got to you quicker because you didn't get a look at it the whole way. Jasprit's a little bit the same, with arms going everywhere," he further added.

"It still takes a couple of balls to get used to the different rhythm" - Smith on Bumrah

However, veteran batter Steve Smith, who has faced Jasprit Bumrah numerous times, said that despite familiarity, it still takes a few deliveries to adjust to Bumrah's rhythm as well.

"He's just awkward with the way he bowls, it's obviously very different to a lot of other people. "It takes a little bit getting used to. I've played against him quite a lot now, and it still takes a couple of balls to get used to the different rhythm," Smith told Fox Cricket.

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins, Jasprit Bumrah's form and leadership will be important for India. For Australia, neutralizing the threat of Bumrah will be crucial to gaining an early advantage in the five-match Test series.