India’s Harshit Rana impressed one and all with his bowling performance on Test debut against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

The right-arm quick returned with the figures of 3 for 48 in 15.2 overs, helping the visitors bundle out the Aussies for a paltry 104 in their first innings.

After the second day’s play, Harshit revealed how he overcame a challenging mental phase ahead of Test debut thanks to the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and the unwavering support of his parents.

"It was difficult for me to wait (for my debut), but Gauti bhai was saying to keep my patience and do well whenever my chance comes. He always gives confidence. He was telling me to keep everything aside and think that you are representing the whole country," Harshit said during his post-day press meet on Saturday (November 23).

"I keep talking to my dad and mom before and after every match. So, they were telling me to keep your patience and God will fulfil my dreams."

Harshit Rana got to know that he will feature in the Perth Test just a day before the match, leaving him both thrilled and nervous.

"I used to get up early in the morning to watch cricket in Australia with my dad, so this is a big thing for me. I was told a day ahead that I was going to make my debut. I was not getting sleep after that and I slept very late that night," he said.

However, the nerves settled when Harshit cleaned up Australia’s Travis Head with a peach of a delivery.

"We were talking about setting up the (Aussie) batsmen to dismiss them, and our plan was to attack the stumps. I was able to hit the right length and got wicket (Head). I have also worked with Morne Morkel to understand what line and length to bowl here. So, I was just sticking to that here," he explained.

Harshit expressed gratitude to skipper Jasprit Bumrah, who picked up a five-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings.

"Jassi bhai took three wickets upfront and set it up nicely for me. It often happens, Jassi bhai builds a lot of pressure on batters and it becomes easy for bowlers from the other end.

"When Jassi bhai does that the whole atmosphere charges up. So, when I came to bowl, the Aussies were three down and I was thinking of taking a few more wickets as getting them out early will be beneficial to us," he remarked.

Harshit also attributed his success to Virat Kohli’s on-field guidance. "It is really helpful to get tips from the seniors. Virat bhai keeps telling what to do while bowling - as in where to pitch and where not to pitch. So, you will get some confidence from their words," he said.

"White ball or red ball, the length remains the same. It is just about the mindset, you need to change that."

Coming to the match, the tourists reached 172/0 at stumps, stretching their lead to 218 runs in the second innings. While Yashasvi Jaiswal ended the second day on 90* off 193 balls, Rahul remained unbeaten on 62 off 153 balls.

(With inputs from agencies)