Border Gavaskar Trophy: Starc to Rana, Jaiswal to Starc, Perth Test heats up with banter

The Border Gavaskar Trophy is regarded as one of the fiercest rivalries in cricket. Ahead of the start of the 2024 BGT in Australia, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting expressed that the India vs Australia series is up there with the Ashes in the league of top cricket rivalries. What's a rivalry without some banter? One of the key reasons behind the fanfare for the BGT is the tussle between the Indian and Australian players. The opening Test of the latest edition in Perth presented yet another instance of the players chirping at the Perth Turf. Starring in the show were India's young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and the seasoned Australian seamer, Mitchell Starc.

The Perth Test, opening the five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, has witnessed many turnarounds within just two days of play. The Test commenced with Jasprit Bumrah, India's interim captain, opting to bat first against the Kangaroos on the fiery turf. The move appeared self-sabotaging as Indian batters struggled to face the lethal Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. With the likes of young Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal fumbling, and Virat Kohli unable to regain his form, India wrapped up their opening innings at just 150. However, when Australia came to bat, they fared no better, as Jasprit Bumrah went all guns blazing on the Perth pitch. The skipper claimed four wickets and left Australia reeling at 67/7 at stumps on Day 1.

Starc picks on Rana, Jaiswal showcases audacity: Border Gavaskar Trophy lit up with signature banter

The game resumed on Day 2 with Bumrah completing a fifer. Aided by a splendid spell from debutant Harshit Rana, Australia were bundled out for 104. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood presented the only challenge that the visitors faced. Starc, with 26 off 112 balls, was the highest run-scorer, and his partnership with Hazlewood for the last wicket denied India a healthy lead. However, with Starc falling to Rana, India managed a 46-run lead over the hosts.

The onset of the second day was sprinkled with some eye-catching banter. It started when Harshit Rana bowled some bouncers to Starc. In a bid to startle Starc, Rana unleashed some fierce short balls. However, Starc, a legend of the game himself, didn't hesitate to remind Rana of his stature. As Rana returned to the crease in the 30th over, Starc commented on the pacer's pace, noting that he was faster than the Indian. Rana replied to Starc with a cheerful smile and not an aggressive retort. Interestingly, Rana and Starc were teammates in KKR during IPL 2024.

“Harshit, I bowl faster than you. I bowl faster than you," Starc told Rana. "I've got a long memory," Starc added.

After the Indian bowlers skittled Australia out for a mere 104 in the first innings of the Perth Test, the stage was set for openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul to steer the team to a strong position. Jaiswal, playing his maiden knock in Australia, fell early to Starc in the first innings. However, the youngster, unlike in the first innings, appeared confident when he returned with the bat on Day 2. Paired with KL Rahul in the opening position, Jaiswal displayed composure to build on the 46-run lead.

Moreover, while Rana let go of Starc's cheeky banter, Yashasvi remembered Starc's reminder when his turn came. Displaying his unperturbed confidence down under, Jaiswal took a dig at the seamer. Interestingly, Jaiswal's call-out to Starc, who is 12 years older than him, was not a response to anything. Avenging his fall in the first innings, Jaiswal exclaimed to Starc that his delivery was coming too slow. The moment unfolded after Jaiswal pulled off a stunning shot off Starc, half-sweeping the ball to the boundary over square leg. Later in the over, he defended a ball off the back foot and came up with the comment for Starc.

“It’s coming slow,” Jaiswal remarked as the bowler completed his follow-through. Starc didn't reply but was left smiling at Jaiswal's audacity.

Both Jaiswal and KL Rahul looked in control with the bat on the second day. The pitch at Perth had also toned down by then. While defending against the attacks from Starc and Hazlewood, both Rahul and Jaiswal capitalized on the loose deliveries to keep the runs flowing. Jaiswal, in fact, hit a 100-meter six off Nathan Lyon. At stumps on Day 2, India was batting at 172 without losing any wickets. Moreover, the opening duo scripted one of the highest opening partnerships for India in Australia, taking their lead against the Kangaroos to 218.