AUS vs IND [WATCH]: Jasprit Bumrah strikes twice to dismiss Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith on successive balls in Perth Test

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On Day 1 of the first Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 between Australia and India, Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah delivered a spectacular spell at the Optus Stadium in Perth, dismissing two key Australian batters, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith, off consecutive deliveries.

Jasprit Bumrah removes Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith off successive balls

Bumrah’s lethal spell began in the 7th over of Australia’s first innings. The Australian opener Khawaja faced Bumrah with the score at 19 for the loss of 1 wicket of Nathan McSweeney. Bumrah, full of intensity, bowled a short-of-length delivery that angled in toward Khawaja. The batter attempted to defend, but the ball nipped away and caught a thick edge. The ball flew straight to Indian captain Virat Kohli, who made no mistake in taking a simple catch at first slip. The dismissal left Australia at 19 for 2, with Khawaja walking off the field for 8 runs off 19 balls, including one boundary. Bumrah’s first breakthrough had Australia on the back foot early.

Just moments later, Bumrah produced a magical delivery to dismiss Australia star Smith off the very next ball. Smith, known for his unorthodox style, moved across the off stump in his usual shuffle, but this time, the ball cut back sharply from Bumrah’s angled delivery. The ball struck Smith in front of the stumps, with his bat far outside the line of off stump. The Indian pacer was immediately confident, and the on-field umpire gave him out LBW. Smith, having faced just one delivery, was dismissed for a duck. Replays confirmed that the ball would have crashed into the middle and leg stumps, leaving no doubt about the accuracy of the call. Bumrah was now on a hat-trick, and the Australian dressing room was left stunned by his remarkable sequence of events.

Here is the video:

Although Bumrah did not complete the hat-trick, his spell remained a masterpiece of fast bowling. Over the course of his 10-over spell, Bumrah picked up 4 wickets, conceding only 17 runs at a brilliant economy rate of just 1.70. His control and precision were the highlights of the day, as he relentlessly put the Australian top order under pressure.

Also WATCH Harshit Rana cleans up Travis Head with a ripper on Day 1 of Perth Test | AUS vs IND 2024

Australia’s batting collapse

After bundling out India for 150, Australia too got off to a poor start. India pacers, led by Bumrah, applied constant pressure on the home team’s batters. By the end of the first day’s play, Australia were in a dire position at 67 for 7, having lost wickets in quick succession. Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were the standout bowlers, with the latter taking 2 wickets for 17 runs in his 9-over spell.

As Day 1 concluded, Australia found themselves in a precarious position. Trailing India by 83 runs, the hosts were left with only 3 wickets in hand and a lot of work to do to avoid a lead in the first innings.

Also WATCH: KL Rahul takes a screamer to see-off Mitchell Marsh in 1st BGT 2024-25 Test | AUS vs IND

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