Tags: India’s tour of Australia 2024,
Australia vs India, 1st Test at Perth, November 22-26, 2024,
Australia,
India
Published on: November 25, 2024
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The third day at the Perth Stadium will go down in Test cricket history as one of the most memorable for Indian fans and the darkest for Australian cricket. The script unfolded with moments of individual brilliance and collective dominance, with Australia reeling under the weight of a crushing display from the visitors.
The Last Ball Blow
Australia’s reliable No.3 Marnus Labuschran contained the home side’s disarray. Facing Jasprit Bumrah, he raised his hand for a delivery that trapped him plumb against the stumps. As the shadowy Optus Stadium watched, Lebuschne stood frozen, processing a moment that seemed to symbolize Australia’s crumbling batting lineup. The ball penetrating his pads was the final act of the day, sealing India’s ascendancy.
It was Bumrah’s show once again. Earlier, Nathan McSweeney and Pat Cummins fell to Bumrah’s accuracy, the latter parting ways in a harrowing scene with the Australian skipper in the pocket, shoulders slumping under the weight of expectations and reality. Bumrah, with his imposing presence and unmistakable accuracy, seemed to embody the unstoppable force that India had become.

Arrival of Jaiswal
Yashaswi Jaiswal started the day with his announcement on the big stage. The 22-year-old displayed a dazzling array of shots combining flair with technical brilliance. Every boundary he hit was a statement; Each run is a testament to its nature. Jaiswal’s maiden Test century on Australian soil was not just an innings – it was the recipe for a future superstar. He topped the first innings totals of both teams and left the spectators and the Australian bowlers in awe.
Standing tall amid hostile crowd pressure and high expectations, Jaiswal looked every bit the player India had hoped for. His cover drives, daring pulls and magnificent flicks set the stadium alight. When he finally fell, the young batsman had ensured his place in the hearts of Indian fans and remained on the radar of Australian pundits for years to come.
Kohli’s class
If Jaiswal’s innings was a revelation, Virat Kohli’s century confirmed it. Building on the foundations laid by Jaiswal and KL Rahul, Kohli showed why he is one of the most respected batsmen in the game. His 30th Test century was not just a milestone; It was a warning shot for the rest of the series.
There was no shortage of trademark Kohli moments: Mitchell Starc’s brilliant cover drive, uppercut for a six and a commanding on-drive on Cummins, the highlight of the lot. His ton was not only important in runs but also gave India a psychological edge. Kohli’s celebration, slow yet steadfast, spoke volumes about his intent for the tour.
Final act
Australia were already on the ropes when the Indian bowlers took over. Bumrah’s late strike under the fading Perth lights was more than a wicket; They were exclamation marks on a day that was completely owned by India. As the team reluctantly walked off the field led by young Jaiswal, their enthusiasm was in stark contrast to the dejected Australians.
A tale of two teams
For India, it was a day of recognition and celebration. For Australia, it was a stark reminder of the work required to compete against a team firing on all cylinders. The gulf between the two sides was stark, and the narrative of this Test match, perhaps the series, seemed firmly in India’s hands.
The day in Perth will be remembered not just for the cricket played but for what it symbolised: the arrival of a new Indian hero in Jaiswal, the resurgence of their talisman Kohli, and the brilliance of their spearhead Bumrah. It was a day when everything clicked for India, leaving Australia to search for answers under the setting sun and the long shadows cast by their own performance.






