Team India‘s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah delivered a masterclass in fast bowling during the first Test against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. With the pitch offering variable bounce and movement only in patches, Bumrah’s ability to exploit the conditions stood out as he claimed eight wickets in the match. His efforts were pivotal in India securing a commanding 295-run victory.
Bumrah’s first-innings performance was nothing short of extraordinary as he ran through Australia’s batting order with figures of 5/30. In the second innings, he continued to torment the Australian batters with precise lines and lengths, picking up another three crucial wickets, including the game-changing dismissal of Travis Head.
Sanjay Manjrekar picks the greatest ball in Jasprit Bumrah’s career
Former cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar lavished praise on Bumrah’s remarkable spell on Day 4, particularly highlighting the dismissal of Head as one of the finest deliveries of the pacer’s illustrious career.
Notably, the delivery was a perfect example of Bumrah’s cricketing genius. Coming around the wicket, he pitched the ball on a good length just outside off stump. The delivery jagged away sharply, taking the edge of Head’s bat as he tried to defend, and was comfortably caught by Rishabh Pant behind the stumps. The dismissal not only broke Australia’s resistance but also showcased Bumrah’s ability to deliver under pressure.
Manjrekar emphasized the context of the delivery, noting that it came against a well-set batter in Head on a track that had become easier to bat on. He called it a ‘moment of magic’ that epitomized Bumrah’s mastery over his craft.
“It’s one of the greatest balls that he’s bowled in his career and this is no exaggeration. Travis Head, set batter, the ball was soft plus the pitch looked a lot easier. It’s almost like it’s become this Indian cricket genie, you have a wish, and he comes and fulfils it,” Manjrekar said on Star Sports.
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India dominate Australia in Perth
India showcased their dominance in all facets of the game to secure a commanding victory over Australia in the first Test of the series at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Batting first, India struggled against the Australian pace attack and were bundled out for 150. Nitish Reddy offered some resistance with a gritty 41, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered against Josh Hazlewood’s fiery spell, which yielded figures of 4/29.
In response, India’s bowlers turned the tide, skittling Australia for just 104 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was the star with a sensational 5/30, while debutant Harshit Rana impressed with 3/48. Despite Mitchell Starc’s top score of 26, Australia trailed by 46 runs after the first innings.
India seized control in their second innings with a stellar batting display. Yashasvi Jaiswal led the charge with a masterful 161 off 297 balls, ably supported by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 143 balls. KL Rahul added a steady 77, allowing India to declare at 487/6, setting an imposing target of 534 for the hosts.
Australia’s second innings saw Head put up a valiant fight, scoring 89 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under relentless pressure from India’s bowlers. Bumrah (3/42) and Mohammed Siraj (3/51) combined to dismantle Australia for 238, sealing a comprehensive 295-run win for India.