Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in history as he became the fifth Indian captain to take a five-wicket haul in Tests, leading India to bundle Australia out for a mere 104 on Day 2 of the first Test. India gained a crucial 46-run first-innings lead, despite resistance from Australia’s lower order, particularly a 25-run final-wicket stand between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Alex Carey, Australia’s top run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield, was expected to be the savior heading into Day 2. However, Bumrah struck with the very first ball, dismissing Carey as Rishabh Pant took a sharp catch behind the stumps. Harshit Rana, making his debut, followed up with aggressive bowling, eventually dismissing Nathan Lyon as KL Rahul snapped a catch at third slip.
Starc and Hazlewood then staged a gritty fightback, surviving India’s relentless attack. The duo batted out 18 overs, frustrating India’s pacers and dragging Australia past the 100-run mark. Their defiance forced India to bring back Bumrah, who finally broke the partnership as Starc top-edged a pull to Pant.
Brief Scores:
- India: 150 (Nitish Reddy 41, Rishabh Pant 38; Josh Hazlewood 4-29, Mitchell Marsh 2-12, Pat Cummins 2-67)
- Australia: 104 (Mitchell Starc 26; Jasprit Bumrah 5-30, Harshit Rana 3-48)