Three reasons why India won the first Test against Australia in Perth

India team, under the leadership of stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, marked their resurrection in some style by thrashing Australia by a margin of 295 runs in the first Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024. Coming off a lackluster home series against New Zealand, the visitors approached the game with growing doubts about their capabilities. However, they silenced all critics with a commanding victory in Perth, turning the tide of the series and putting the hosts under immense pressure. 

In the meantime, here's a summary of how key moments helped India progress to a comprehensive win:

1. Jasprit Bumrah's Bowling Brilliance

Jasprit Bumrah, donning the captaincy hat, set the tone with a spectacular bowling performance. After scoring a modest first-innings total of 150, Bumrah struck early by dismissing McSweeney in the third over. The seventh over was a game-changer as he removed Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith off consecutive deliveries, rattling the Australian top order.

Bumrah's clinical effort didn't stop here. He scalped crucial wickets of Pat Cummins and Alex Carey, securing a remarkable five-wicket haul and bundled out Australia for just 104. His fiery spell had given India a much-needed lifeline and a psychological edge over the hosts.
In addition to the need to defend a target of more than 500 runs, the bowling unit showed a fiery performance. Bumrah continued his dominance by taking three more wickets in the second innings. Mohammed Siraj matched his skipper's intensity, claiming three scalps, while Washington Sundar and debutant Nitish Reddy contributed vital dismissals. 

Harshit Rana's relentless line and length earned him a wicket as well. Australia's batting, despite glimpses of resistance, crumbled under the relentless Indian attack. Big names like Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Steve Smith fell cheaply, reflecting India's superiority in all departments.

2. Rahul and Jaiswal's Record Partnership

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal batted wonderfully in the second innings of the first Test against Australia, writing history by taking their team to a record-breaking 201 runs opening partnership. The highest-ever score by an Indian pair on Australian soil proved this pair's capabilities, skill, determination, and ability to keep bouncing back after a lackluster display in the first innings. Rahul, again at the crease, was splendidly composed, riding the storm of the Australian pace attack, managing to be patient. 

His technique and shot selection were impeccable as he scored a crucial 77 before being castled by a sharp delivery by Mitchell Starc. Meanwhile, Jaiswal matched and well-complemented Rahul with his aggressive stroke play, moving the boundaries frequently and constantly disturbing the minds of the bowlers.

He was at his best as he struck a sizzling knock of 161- his career-best Test score. Their partnership not only laid the platform but also shifted the momentum drastically in India's favor. The openers would have ensured a commanding lead before it was left to Kohli and the middle order to boost further. 

3. Virat Kohli's 81st International Century 

Indian stalwart Virat Kohli again proved his mettle on the big stage by forming an epitome hundred during India's second innings in the first Test against Australia in Perth. Making good of a proper opening partnership of 201 runs between openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kohli showed a batting masterclass with his 81st international hundred. The century was a blend of finesse, patience, and occasional aggression while fitting all the demands of the crucial game.

Kohli rode out this quality onslaught spearheaded by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc extremely well, especially to short and wide balls. His century was backed by a smart strategy as the team finished at a commanding 487-6. That knock saw all the momentum swing heavily in favor of India and once again went down in history, reiterating Kohli's position as one of the most reliable performers in high-pressure situations. Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana were noticeable among the debutants. Reddy took his first Test wicket, and Rana kept turning the screw consistently to make breakthroughs. Their efforts have given more depth to India's bowling attack and speak of bench strength in the team.

In conclusion, India's enormous victory in Perth gave them an all-important lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy besides reviving their campaign after a humiliating series against New Zealand. Inspirational leadership from Bumrah, record partnership at the opening, and collective effort from bowlers scripted a memorable victory. As the high-stake series continues, Australia will have to regroup against a resurgent Indian team at their vulnerabilities. Four Tests remain, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises cricket of more thrilling varieties.