In the ultimate rivalry of India vs. Australia, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicked off in Perth, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the Indian team against Pat Cummins’ Australia. After winning the toss, India chose to bat first, but the decision backfired as Australia’s pace attack dominated, creating significant trouble for the Indian batters. Despite the challenges, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant showcased resilience before being dismissed by skipper Cummins.
With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill unavailable, India made a few forced changes to their batting order. KL Rahul was pushed to open, and Devdutt Padikkal was included in the top order. However, the batting lineup lacked stability, with wickets falling at regular intervals.
India’s first innings against Australia ended at 150 in 49.4 overs, as the batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal both went for a duck to Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood respectively, leaving India at 14/2. Virat Kohli departed for 5, and KL Rahul (26) showed some fight but was controversially dismissed, taking the score to 47/4.
Rishabh Pant provided some resistance with a patient 37, but his dismissal by Pat Cummins at 121/7 further dented India’s hopes. Nitish Kumar Reddy fought hard at the end, top-scoring with 41, but lacked support as the team folded for 150. Hazlewood (4/29) led the Australian attack, with Starc, Cummins, and Marsh contributing two wickets each.
Rishabh’s 37 offered a glimmer of hope, including three boundaries and a trademark six over fine leg. The maximum, hit in true Pant fashion, saw him lose his balance and roll on the ground, providing a moment of humor amidst the tense innings. However, his dismissal by Cummins further weakened India’s position. Pant’s vital knock was instrumental in pushing India’s total to 121, though it wasn’t enough to mask the team’s overall struggles.
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