India outclassed Australia in all facets of the game to register a thumping 295-run victory in Perth.
India outclassed Australia in all facets of the game to register a thumping 295-run victory, thereby taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
After getting bowled out for 150 in the first innings, the visitors made a stunning comeback. Riding on stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul, they bundled out the Aussies for a paltry 104 to gain a handy 46-run lead.
The Indian batting line-up responded brilliantly in the second dig, with the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal (161), KL Rahul (77) and Virat Kohli (100*) registering big scores to propel the tourists to 487/6 (declared).
Setting a colossal 534-run target for Australia, the Indian bowlers produced another masterclass to skittle Pat Cummins' men out for just 238. Bumrah starred with the ball once again as he took three wickets and were ably supported by Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy.
Dravid, who was in Jeddah to participate at the mega auction for Rajasthan Royals, highlighted India’s strong comeback after a 0-3 whitewash in the recently held home Test series against New Zealand.
“It was a great performance. To come back the way they’ve done after losing the series against New Zealand, (there is) always pressure in the first game but I think the way they responded… Jasprit Bumrah was absolutely phenomenal that evening. When you talk about a spell that can crack open a series, crack open a Test match… it was incredible,” Dravid said in a video shared by Star Sports on X.
Dravid further spoke about India's comeback in the Perth Test after a horrible outing in the first innings.
“You win the toss, you bat first, you’re out for 150, you know it's going to be a very critical session after tea, just to have Australia seven down and then to be able to pile on the runs as we’ve done over the next two days, I think it’s been a perfect Test match,” the chief coach said.
“Long series to go, really wishing the guys well, supporting them watching them from afar. Half my mind (is) on that Test (series) as well.”
The second Test is slated to be held in Adelaide, which will be played with the pink-ball from December 6. Regular skipper Rohit Sharma will return to the XI for the second game, and India will also take part in a two-day tour game against Prime Minister's XI in Canberra to prepare for the day-night Test.