New Delhi: Perth played host to a dramatic opening to the first Test match between India and Australia, with 17 wickets falling in a single day.
This batting collapse marks a first on Australian soil since 1952, setting the tone for a thrilling Border Gavaskar Trophy series. The lively pitch proved a nemesis for batsmen from both sides, with bowlers holding sway in a gripping contest.
India’s decision to bat first on a green-topped pitch backfired as they were dismissed for 150 runs in just 49.4 overs. The Australian bowling attack was led by Josh Hazlewood (4/29) and Mitchell Starc (2/14), who extracted maximum benefit from the conditions.
Amidst the wreckage, debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy showed promise with a determined 41, while Rishabh Pant’s 37 included a stunning no-look six off Pat Cummins – a fleeting high in an otherwise dismal outing with the bat for the visitors.
The day, however, took a dramatic turn in the final session as India’s bowlers staged a sensational comeback. Skipper Jasprit Bumrah led the charge, claiming 4/17 to leave Australia reeling at 67/7 at stumps, still 83 runs adrift.
Mohammed Siraj (2/17) and debutant Harshit Rana (1/33) chipped in with crucial wickets as Australia’s top order crumbled under pressure. The hosts’ hopes now rest on the unbroken eighth-wicket stand between Alex Carey (19*) and Mitchell Starc (6*), who will aim to revive the innings on day two.
The 17-wicket tumble was the first time in 72 years that so many wickets have fallen on an opening day of a Test in Australia.
The last on Australian soil was in 1952, during the Sydney Test between Australia and the West Indies, where 19 wickets fell on Day 1. Australia were bowled out for 116 in 36.2 overs, and the West Indies were dismissed for a double digit figure of 78 in 29.6 overs.
The record for the most wickets falling on the first day of a Test, however, goes back to 1902, during the Ashes against England. On that day in Melbourne, an astonishing 25 wickets collapsed, with a total of just 221 runs accumulated by both teams.
Major collapses at home
At home in 2024, India were involved in a major collapse on Day 4 of the 2nd Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur – a total of 18 wickets fell, though India won the match by 7 wickets.
The highest number of wickets to fall in a single day involving India occurred against Afghanistan on Day 2 of their inaugural Test in 2018. Twenty-four wickets fell on that day, as India bowled out Afghanistan twice, enforcing a follow-on. Afghanistan managed only 103 and 109 in their two innings.
When a large number of wickets fall on the first day, it often leads to a shortened Test match. Typically, Days 3 and 4 are considered moving days in Test cricket, as they can make or break a team’s chances. However, instances like the ones mentioned earlier can make Day 1 a crucial turning point.
The unpredictable pitch and bowler-friendly conditions promise more action in this closely-contested match. However, cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Wasim Akram, sharing their expertise on Star Sports’ coverage of the series, suggested that the pitch may become slightly easier to bat on after it undergoes more rolling.
The stage is set for Day 2, and Australia will aim to reduce the deficit, while India will look to swiftly wrap up their innings.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)