Indian openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal etched their names in the record books by registering the highest first-wicket partnership for India in Test cricket on Australian soil. Their colossal 201-run stand on Day 3 of the Perth Test surpassed Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth's 191-run partnership at Sydney in 1986. This historic effort marked the first time an Indian opening pair crossed the 200-run mark in Australia, ending a 19-year wait since Sehwag and Chopra’s 123-run stand in Sydney in 2004.

Rahul, steady and calculated, played a patient knock of 77 runs off 176 balls before being dismissed by Mitchell Starc. Meanwhile, Jaiswal showcased his brilliance, continuing from an overnight score of 90* to bring up his maiden overseas Test century in grand fashion. His knock of 105 off 215 balls, adorned with eight boundaries and three sixes, highlighted his remarkable composure and exquisite timing.

Turning the tables after a poor start

India’s first-innings collapse, which saw them bundled out for 150, was followed by a stunning fightback led by Jasprit Bumrah, whose fiery spell restricted Australia to 104, giving India a vital 46-run lead. In the second innings, Rahul and Jaiswal put on a masterclass in opening batting. Beginning cautiously, they frustrated the Australian bowlers with impeccable technique before accelerating to punish loose deliveries.

The partnership’s significance extended beyond records; it provided a solid foundation for India to dominate the game. Jaiswal’s audacious strokeplay against Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, including a towering six to bring up his century, underscored his growing stature as India’s next batting superstar. Despite Starc dismissing Rahul in the 63rd over, the 201-run stand had already shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor.

See Also: Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal reaches century in Perth Test with stunning six

A historic feat on Australian soil

This partnership also became the highest by a visiting opening pair in Australia outside England since 1912, surpassing the legendary Jack Hobbs and Wilfred Rhodes' 323-run effort. Such a feat on Australian soil is a testament to the evolving strength of India’s batting lineup.

With Rahul’s steady hand and Jaiswal’s flair, the duo has set a new benchmark for Indian openers overseas. As the series progresses, this record-breaking stand is sure to inspire the team and cement Jaiswal’s place as one of the brightest stars in Indian cricket.

At lunch on Day 3, India consolidated their position in the Perth Test with a commanding lead of 321 runs. Resuming strongly after their record-breaking opening partnership, Yashasvi Jaiswal remained unbeaten on a magnificent 141 off 264 balls, showcasing incredible patience and skill. KL Rahul contributed a solid 77 off 176 balls before falling to Starc, while Devdutt Padikkal added a steady 25 off 70 deliveries to further strengthen India’s second innings. At 275/1 in 84 overs, India looks poised to set an imposing target for Australia.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the rising star of Indian cricket, delivered a phenomenal performance in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Optus Stadium, Perth. The 22-year-old brought up his maiden overseas Test century in spectacular fashion, smashing a six off Josh Hazlewood to reach the landmark. Resuming on an overnight score of 90 on Day 3, Jaiswal wasted no time in etching his name in the record books, becoming the third visiting batter since 2001 to bring up a century in Australia with a six.

His daring ramp shot in the nervous 90s was not just a statement of confidence but a testament to his fearless approach against a strong Australian bowling lineup. As the ball sailed over the boundary, the Indian dressing room erupted in celebrations, reflecting the significance of the milestone for both the team and the young opener.

A masterclass in patience and aggression

Facing the likes of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon, Jaiswal showcased a perfect blend of restraint and aggression. His innings highlighted his ability to adapt to challenging conditions, a crucial skill for any batter in Australia. After chasing a wide delivery and falling cheaply in the first innings, Jaiswal returned with a stronger mindset in the second. He left good balls alone, punished the short ones, and neutralized Lyon's spin with sharp footwork.

Not one to back down, Jaiswal even engaged in psychological battles with the Australian bowlers. During a moment on Day 2, he cheekily remarked to Starc, "You’re coming too slow," after perfectly defending one of his deliveries. Such exchanges only added to the drama and excitement of his innings.

Kar Har Maidaan Fateh 💪🏽 Debut century for #YashasviJaiswal in Border-Gavaskar Trophy ✅

📺 #AUSvINDOnStar 👉 1st Test, Day 3, LIVE NOW! #AUSvIND #ToughestRivalry #AdityaBirlaGroup #CricketLive pic.twitter.com/wBjrhDVcYP

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 24, 2024

Joining an elite club

Jaiswal’s decision to reach his century with a six placed him in elite company. Since 2001, only two other visiting batters—India’s Rahul Dravid in Adelaide (2003) and West Indies’ Chris Gayle at the WACA (2009)—have achieved this feat. His name now stands alongside these cricketing legends, signaling the arrival of a new star in world cricket.Dubbed the "new king" by Australian media ahead of the series, Jaiswal justified the moniker with his stellar knock. His ability to outthink and outplay a world-class bowling attack under pressure speaks volumes about his temperament and talent. This century marks his fourth in Test cricket, but the first on foreign soil—a special achievement that will surely boost his confidence for the matches ahead.

See Also: Watch: Virat Kohli appreciates openers after dominant display

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy progresses, Jaiswal’s fearless approach and solid technique will be instrumental in India’s quest for success on Australian soil. If this innings is any indication, Yashasvi Jaiswal is destined to leave an indelible mark on the cricketing world.

In a sensational display of pace bowling, India bowled Australia out for a paltry 104 in their second innings, securing a vital first-innings lead of 46 runs on Day 2 of the Perth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The Optus Stadium pitch continued to favor the seamers, and India’s bowlers, led by stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah, ensured Australia struggled to recover from their overnight collapse.

Bumrah shines bright with 5-wicket haul

Australia resumed their innings at 67/7, with Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc at the crease, hoping to bridge the deficit. However, Jasprit Bumrah dashed their plans with a fiery spell. The Indian captain struck with the very first ball of Day 2, removing Carey for 12, and completed his 5-wicket haul in style. Bumrah’s immaculate line and length, combined with his ability to extract movement, left the Australian batting lineup in tatters.

Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in the history books during the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, claiming his 11th 5-wicket haul in Test cricket. With this feat, Bumrah has become the joint-highest Indian bowler with the most 5-wicket hauls in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) nations, matching the legendary Kapil Dev's record of seven fifers in these conditions. Additionally, Bumrah has entered the top-10 list for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler, solidifying his legacy as one of India's finest pacers.

Nathan Lyon fell shortly after to debutant Harshit Rana, reducing Australia to 79/9. However, a resilient 25-run stand between Starc and Josh Hazlewood delayed India’s march. The young pacer impressed with figures of 2/25 in his maiden Test, claiming two crucial wickets to support India’s pace dominance. Starc showed grit with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 19, but Rana returned to dismiss Hazlewood, sealing Australia’s innings at 104.

See Also: BGT 2024-25: Bumrah leads from the front on record-breaking Day 1 in Perth

Harshit beats Starc

Despite the Australian collapse, Mitchell Starc brought a touch of light-heartedness to the intense match. During Rana’s fiery spell, the stump mic caught Starc cheekily reminding the Indian pacer, “Harshit, I bowl faster than you. I’ve got a long memory.” The playful banter, stemming from their camaraderie as former Kolkata Knight Riders teammates, quickly went viral on social media.

Rana responded with a wry smile and let his bowling do the talking. His dismissal of Lyon and eventual breakthrough against Starc’s partner, Hazlewood, highlighted his composure under pressure. The lively exchanges between the two added a unique flavor to an otherwise intense Test match. India’s pace attack, spearheaded by Bumrah and ably supported by Mohammed Siraj and Rana, showcased remarkable discipline and skill, setting the tone for a thrilling contest in Perth.

Brief Scores: India 150 (Nitish Reddy 41, Rishabh Pant 38; Josh Hazlewood 4/29, Mitchell Marsh 2/12, Mitchell Marsh 2/14, Pat Cummins 2/67) lead Australia 104 (Mitchell Starc 26; Jasprit Bumrah 5/30, Harshit Rana 3/48) by 46 runs

The intense battle of the first Test between India and Australia at the Optus Stadium was punctuated by a playful yet competitive exchange between Mitchell Starc and Indian debutant Harshit Rana. The humorous moment, which highlighted the spirit of cricket, occurred during Day 2 and quickly became a talking point on social media.

Rana’s fiery spell sparks Starc’s playful jibe

The moment unfolded during the 30th over of Australia’s innings when Harshit Rana, bowling with pace and aggression, delivered a fiery barrage of short-pitched deliveries to Mitchell Starc. The Australian pacer was forced to duck and weave as Rana’s deliveries extracted sharp bounce off the lively Perth wicket.

As Rana walked back to his mark, Starc, caught on the stump mic, playfully quipped, “Harshit, I bowl faster than you. I’ve got a long memory.” The cheeky comment, delivered with a grin, hinted at possible retribution when Rana would come out to bat. Rana, unfazed, responded with a smile, demonstrating maturity and composure in only his first Test match.

Mitch Starc offers a little warning to Harshit Rana 😆#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/KoFFsdNbV2

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 23, 2024

See Also: Watch: Faf du Plessis powers Samp Army and brings win in Abu Dhabi T10

Camaraderie and competition shine through

The banter between Starc and Rana drew attention not only for its humor but also for the camaraderie between the two players, who recently shared a successful stint as teammates at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Despite Starc’s playful remarks, Rana showcased his potential, taking two key wickets, including Travis Head on Day 1 and Nathan Lyon on Day 2, while consistently hitting speeds over 140 km/h.

Meanwhile, India’s pace trio, led by Jasprit Bumrah, dominated Australia’s batting lineup. Bumrah’s clinical performance saw him claim a five-wicket haul, his 11th in Test cricket, as he removed Alex Carey with the first delivery of the day. Supported by Mohammed Siraj and Rana, India’s bowlers dismantled the Australian batting order, securing a significant first-innings lead by the end of the session.

The light-hearted exchange between Starc and Rana, coupled with the fierce competition on the field, exemplified the spirit of cricket—where intense rivalries are often interspersed with moments of mutual respect and camaraderie.

India barely managed to crawl past the 100-run against a relentless Australian bowling attack. The absence of seasoned campaigners like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane was palpable as Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Marsh tormented the Indian lineup. Fans couldn’t help but reminisce about the duo, who are now offering insights from the commentary box instead of their usual stoic presence at the crease.

Pant's lone fight amid the collapse

Amid a top-order failure, Rishabh Pant stood tall with his characteristic grit and flair. He endured the Aussie pace barrage, including a fiery spell from Mitchell Starc, and capitalized on a rare dropped catch by Pat Cummins. Pant's ability to counter-attack gave India a glimmer of hope, especially after debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy joined him to stabilize the innings. Their partnership, although scratchy, ensured India crossed the 100-run mark. A fuller delivery on a straighter line swings away late, catching Rishabh Pant's outside edge as he tries to flick. Steven Smith at second slip grabs a sharp catch, ending Pant's valiant knock of 37 off 78. India now reeling at 121/7.

However, it wasn’t smooth sailing. Starc's probing deliveries and Marsh's crucial breakthroughs left India reeling. A spirited effort from Pant brought some respite, but the road ahead remains arduous for the hosts.

See Also: AUS vs IND, Perth Test: Was KL Rahul really out? Explained

Fans yearn for Pujara and Rahane's stability

As the wickets kept tumbling, fans turned nostalgic, recalling the resilience of Pujara and Rahane. Social media was abuzz with comparisons, with many lamenting the absence of the experienced duo in the lineup. Their commentary, insightful as ever, added salt to the wounds of fans yearning for their calmness under pressure.

The current Indian batting order may have talent, but the lack of experience was evident against the likes of Starc and Cummins. As India inch forward, the onus lies on Pant and the lower order to salvage what remains of a challenging innings.

See Also: IPL 2025 to start on March 14; Dates revealed for next three seasons

Where is the number 3 of this Indian team who defends for 50 over and softens the ball so that the likes of Pant can come and play their shots for the next 30 overs? Where is the wall of India? Who is the Dravid, Pujara Rahane of this team #INDvsAUS #BGT2025#Kohli

— MadMax (@BullsVsBearss) November 22, 2024

Two left-handers, two ducks, and Paddikal’s struggles finally come to an end… Trust me, this tour will constantly remind you of Rahane and Pujara at every moment. pic.twitter.com/6rBtEi439Z

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) November 22, 2024

Pujji should be allowed to step down from com box to the crease for gods sake ,For every Pant to win you games, you need a Pujara to stand like a rock at the other end. Sadly we don't .

— Jaammii.. (@Jaammiing) November 22, 2024

INDIA HAVE SCORED MORE THAN 36 RUNS IN AUSTRALIA. 🤯😳

— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) November 22, 2024

national animal of australia - kangaroo
national animal of india - duck

— Xavier Uncle (@xavierunclelite) November 22, 2024

Australia thought they can get India out under 50? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Let's laugh at the Aussies.

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) November 22, 2024

When the whole team is playing like they've never seen a cricket bat but you're just a chill guy standing in the middle with the number 17 jersey on. pic.twitter.com/I1Ay5vylKi

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) November 22, 2024

KL Rahul’s dismissal in the ongoing Perth Test has stirred controversy among fans and cricket experts alike. The decision came during a crucial phase of the game, just minutes before lunch, when Mitchell Starc delivered a sharp ball that seemed to brush past Rahul's bat. Initially given not out by the on-field umpire, Australia opted for a review, and UltraEdge detected a spike as the ball passed the bat. However, Rahul insisted the ball made contact with his pad flap and not the bat. The umpire upheld the third umpire's decision, declaring Rahul out, much to the dismay of the batter and Indian supporters.

Fans have taken to social media, claiming that the UltraEdge spike may have been caused by the bat striking the pad and not the ball. Experts, including former cricketers, have echoed these sentiments, arguing that the evidence was inconclusive and the benefit of the doubt should have gone to the batter.

Rahul’s dismissal raises questions about DRS protocol

The on-field umpire initially ruled KL Rahul not out after Australia’s appeal for a caught-behind dismissal. However, upon reviewing the decision, the third umpire overturned it, citing a spike on UltraEdge. This spike appeared as the ball passed the bat, but Rahul’s bat also seemed to simultaneously hit the pad, adding to the ambiguity.

Despite Rahul’s visible disbelief and a request for a front-on angle, the third umpire relied on an inconclusive angle from behind the stumps to make the final call. Typically, in cases of inconclusive evidence, the on-field umpire’s decision is upheld. However, in this instance, the decision was reversed, sparking debates about consistency in DRS protocols.

Forced to depart for 26 off 74 balls, Rahul’s exit left India struggling at 47/4 just before lunch, with his reaction reflecting the frustration of an outcome marred by unclear evidence.

See Also: Watch: Hazlewood strikes big as Kohli falls early in Perth

Fans and experts react to the controversial call

The dismissal has sparked a heated debate on social media. This incident adds to the ongoing discussion about the accuracy and reliability of DRS technology, with many questioning whether it truly eliminates human error. 

"His pad and bat are not together at that point in time as the ball passes.

"It's (bat hitting pad) after, in fact, the ball passes the edge. Does Snicko pick up the sound of the bat hitting the pad?

"We're assuming (Snicko) may be the outside edge of the bat but that may not… pic.twitter.com/hvG0AF9rdo

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) November 22, 2024

DRS to the rescue for Australia!

Snicko shows an edge and KL Rahul goes.

Starc has 2/6 in his 7th over 🔥 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/R4mW3yE3VM

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) November 22, 2024

This fraction of second and gap in frame costed many decisons.

There was no conclusive evidence to overturn the original decision.

BTW Well Played KL Rahul 👏
A great knock and hopefully a good series ahead.#CricketTwitter#KLRahul pic.twitter.com/28yDlrPSzT

— Riseup Pant (@riseup_pant17) November 22, 2024

There was no off-side angle available and that means there wasn’t enough evidence to overturn the decision because KL Rahul’s bat had hit the pad.

This is a shocking decision by the third-umpire. Absolutely shocking!

#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/YttQzXhSYp

— Madhav Sharma (@HashTagCricket) November 22, 2024

What the hell, that’s not out! These umpires need to get their heads checked.

KL Rahul won’t be happy; he was looking amazing out there! pic.twitter.com/O17H6UnfhM

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) November 22, 2024

The only batter who looked solid was KL Rahul but poor decision got him out 💔 pic.twitter.com/YHr8TCCS14

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) November 22, 2024

Virat Kohli's innings ended prematurely during the ongoing Test match at Perth as Josh Hazlewood delivered a fiery spell. Known for his resilience, Kohli struggled to settle against the relentless Australian pacers. Facing just 12 balls, Kohli managed 5 runs before a sharp delivery from Hazlewood led to his dismissal, marking a significant breakthrough for the hosts.

Hazlewood strikes big to remove Virat Kohli

Hazlewood, bowling with precision and extracting extra bounce from the lively Perth pitch, kept Kohli on his toes. The decisive moment came in the 17th over. Hazlewood bowled a hard-length delivery just outside off-stump that reared off the pitch, catching Kohli by surprise. Attempting to steer clear of the line, Kohli inadvertently edged the ball, and Usman Khawaja at first slip took a comfortable catch.

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

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

India in trouble as early wickets fall
India’s batting lineup has struggled against Australia’s seam attack on a pitch offering plenty of assistance to the bowlers. After an engaging first hour of play, Kohli’s dismissal left India at 18/3, with KL Rahul and incoming batters shouldering the responsibility of stabilizing the innings.

The Australian pace trio of Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins has consistently exploited the conditions, making life difficult for the Indian batters. With the ball seaming and bouncing off the deck, the Indian lineup faces a steep challenge ahead to recover and post a competitive score.

See Also: Former Pakistan cricketer and international umpire passes away

Despite his early dismissal, Virat Kohli holds the distinction of having the highest batting average for an Asian batsman at Perth, boasting an impressive 52.80, surpassing even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who averaged 37.66 at this venue. However, today marked an unusual low for Kohli, as he was dismissed for a single digit for the first time in his career at Perth, highlighting the exceptional challenge posed by the Australian bowlers on this lively surface.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s record-breaking premier off-spinner, is all set to play his first-ever Test match at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Friday, November 22. This Test marks Ashwin’s fifth tour of Australia, and the 38-year-old is ready to showcase his skills on Australian soil, a place where his opportunities have often been limited in the past.

For the first time, Ashwin will be part of India's lineup for the Perth Test, with the team opting for him as the sole spinner. He replaces Ravindra Jadeja, who has often been India’s first-choice spinner outside the subcontinent in the last few years. In this high-stakes game, Ashwin’s inclusion signals a shift in the team management’s approach towards spin bowling, with the veteran expected to lead the charge.

Ashwin's journey and role in the Perth Test

Despite his impressive track record in Indian conditions, Ashwin has had a challenging time on Australian pitches. Across 10 Tests in Australia, he averages 42.15 with 39 wickets. However, his role in India’s recent Test series wins cannot be overlooked. Ashwin’s contribution, especially on the last two Australian tours, played a key role in India’s success, and this Test in Perth provides him with the perfect opportunity to prove his mettle once again.

This will be Ashwin’s first appearance on the Perth pitch, and his involvement comes after a long-standing trend of India opting for four-prong pace attacks in Australia. Historically, Ashwin was overlooked in favour of pacers, but with India’s change in strategy, the off-spinner will now be the lone spinner on what is likely to be a pace-friendly pitch. His selection has also been a signal of faith from the team management in Ashwin’s abilities, as he prepares to take on the challenge on this difficult surface.

A shift in India’s strategy: Ashwin and Nitish Kumar Reddy

Ashwin’s inclusion also comes with an interesting twist—Nitish Kumar Reddy, the seam-bowling all-rounder, is set to make his debut as India’s latest Test cricketer. This marks a change in India’s approach, with both Reddy and Ashwin expected to provide key contributions with the ball and bat. The 38-year-old will be looking to make the most of this opportunity to cement his place as a core member of India’s Test squad.

Ashwin’s absence from previous Australian tours, including the 2018 series when India played their first-ever Test at the Optus Stadium, left a gap that pacers struggled to fill. The team had opted for a fourth fast bowler, with Umesh Yadav unable to provide the control needed on the surface. In the end, part-time off-spin from Hanuma Vihari proved crucial during that series. However, Ashwin's inclusion now offers India the chance to strengthen their bowling attack with a world-class spinner in foreign conditions.

It will be interesting to see how Ashwin adapts to the conditions, particularly under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah, marking the first time in his career that Ashwin will play under a bowling captain. This shift in leadership dynamics might bring a fresh perspective to Ashwin’s approach, as he partners with Bumrah in a game that could determine India’s success in this crucial Test series.

Ashwin's selection for this Test is not just a matter of strategy; it represents a new phase in his international career, where he gets another opportunity to prove that he belongs on the world’s biggest stage. His past experiences and resilience in the face of challenges will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the outcome of this match.

See Also: “Pacers leading teams should happen more”: Pat Cummins

As Ashwin prepares for his Perth Test debut, all eyes will be on him to see how he tackles the challenge. With his extensive experience and the backing of the team management, this could be the turning point in his career in Australia. India’s decision to trust Ashwin as their lead spinner in this Test marks a bold move, and it’s one that could have a significant impact on the team’s chances of victory in this crucial series.

The much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is set to begin in two days. Before the beginning of the important Test series, everyone is looking at the pitch of the Perth Stadium, where the Test series opener will be played. 

Perth Stadium will host the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 opener, starting on November 22. The 27-year-old Isaac McDonald is in charge of preparing the pitch. McDonald is closely monitoring the pitch, which has a tradition of bringing challenges to both the batters and bowlers. 

It's definitely not traditional Perth Test prep

Due to rain for the last few days, McDonald can’t get the traditional preparation opportunity. However, they have adjusted their schedule and are comfortably working on it. 

McDonald said, "Yeah, it's definitely not traditional Perth Test prep. Yesterday we pretty much lost the whole day of prep with it being under cover. So we kind of saw the forecast early on and we started prep a little bit earlier than we normally would.

"So we're sitting quite comfortable still. It'd be nice if the sun would pop out and do its job but as of this morning we're in a good spot, we're really comfortable as a curating team." 

The Perth or Optus Stadium produces pace and bouncy pitches. McDonald believes that there will be variable bounces with time progress but unlikely to open the traditional WACA cracks. 

The curator said, "I don't think the weather is going to make this pitch fall apart. There'll be some deterioration, grass will stand up during the game and offer that variable bounce but in terms of big snake WACA cracks, unfortunately I don't think the weather is going to get us there,." 

SEE ALSO: Former Indian captain is confident about Indian team for BGT

Fingers crossed the sun pops out

While the weather forecast is clear for all five days of the upcoming Test series openers, the temperature is unlikely to move hugely. McDonald is opting to produce the pitch naturally. 

McDonald added, "I mean everyone talks about the traditional baking of the top. We can kind of manufacture that with more rolling and less water on top if we have to. We're testing the wicket hour by hour so it's quite conditions based at the moment.

"So at the moment we're leaning towards rolling it a bit more on top to get that firmness and that happy medium between bat and ball. But yeah, fingers crossed the sun pops out." 

The grass on Perth pitch

During a recent Australia vs Pakistan ODI match, the curator left a 4mm grass cover on the pitch, where Australia were bundled out for only 140 runs in the series decider, and Pakistan chased down the target in 26.5 overs after losing three wickets.

McDonald is likely to leave 8 to 10 mm grass cover on the pitch before the toss of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 opener. 

McDonald said, "We've still got to try and get to a point where we think we're going to be fine by Friday. We're still in around the ballpark, 8 to 10 mm, was where we were last year as well.

"So we're sitting quite comfortable and having quite open conversations within the curating team of what we feel is appropriate and where to go from there. There's still be really good pace and bounce in the pitch.

"It'll just come in how well they look after the ball and how true the surface stays. We're meant to get to 30-32 degrees over the weekend so we'll see what the grass on top does there but in terms of coming off cracks I just don't think we're going to get there." 

Perth Stadium hosted its first Test during the Australia vs India Test match in December 2018. The venue has hosted four Tests where Australia won all four matches by the big margins. All those four Tests experienced unsuccessful chases in the fourth innings.