Australia’s batting collapse in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth’s Optus Stadium added another chapter to the history of low scores against India. The Aussies were bowled out for a mere 104, marking their fourth-lowest total against India in Test cricket.
Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery bowling, along with debutant Harshit Rana’s aggression, dismantled the Australian lineup. The only resistance came from a defiant 10th-wicket partnership between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, which added 25 runs. Despite this effort, the hosts could not avoid a humiliating collapse, bowled out for 104 runs, trailing India’s first-innings total of 150.
Here’s a look at Australia’s lowest totals against India in Test cricket history:
| Total | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 83 | Melbourne | 1981 |
| 91 | Nagpur | 2023 |
| 93 | Wankhede | 2004 |
| 104 | Perth | 2024 |
| 105 | Kanpur | 1959 |
Match Context:
Earlier in the day, India’s decision to bat first seemed to backfire as they managed just 150 runs, with debuts handed to pacer Harshit Rana and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. India surprised many by leaving out Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, opting for Washington Sundar as the lone spinner. However, the Indian bowlers, led by captain Jasprit Bumrah, turned the tide in spectacular fashion, ensuring a memorable day for the visitors.