NEW DELHI: India swept past Australia for a dominant 295-run win in the first Test in Perth last Monday, wrapping up the match with more than a day to spare.
The visitors came into the opening match under pressure after their first home series loss in 12 years, against New Zealand, defeated 0-3.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
But the Jasprit Bumrah-led side shrugged that off to dominate in Perth with a commanding 295-run triumph.
Former Pakistan cricketer, captain and arguably the greatest fast bowler in the history of cricket, Wasim Akram is nowadays is commentating on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the Test series between India and Australia.
Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in India, shared a video of Akram lauding India to for their emphatic victory in the first Test in Perth.
Akram says, “Had never thought that India would win by 295 runs, it’s a very big achievement by Team India. And it’s not just a win for the Indian cricket team but a victory for the entire Indian cricket fraternity. The team is full of confidence, that they we can defeat anybody, anywhere.”
A key positive for India was the batting exploits of Yashasvi Jaiswal and a return to form for Virat Kohli, with both smashing centuries.
Virat Kohli back among the runs with a solid hundred vs Australia in Perth
But it was their bowling unit that put India on the road to victory by dismissing the hosts for 104 in the first innings.
Bumrah stood in as captain for Rohit Sharma, who missed the opener due to the birth of his second child..
Akram adds, “This is the first time that I have seen an Asian team play and win like this in Perth in 40 years, except India. And the manner in which they have won, so convincingly, one-sided, there has been no problem. India’s batting in the second innings after their first innings debacle is just incredible. I have never seen an Asian team perform like this, so well done Team India and of course the people who have been involved in Indian cricket for so many years, congratulations to all.”
Leading from the front, pace spearhead Bumrah made the team bounce back with a match haul of eight wickets after India were bundled out for 150 in the first innings.
Bumrah helped bowl out Australia for 104 and then 238 in their chase of 534 to lead the five-match series 1-0.
Rohit is set to lead the team in the second Test in Adelaide, starting December 6.