1st Test
Day-1 Morning Session Highlights:
Starc and Hazlewood has striked early to trouble India on the first morning in Perth
At The Lunch of Day-1:
India scored 51/4 vs Australia.
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood each took two wickets to unsettle India on the first morning of the Perth Test, as the visitors went to lunch at 51 for 4.
Three of India’s four wickets fell for minimal scores—Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal both went for ducks, while Virat Kohli made just five.
However, the pivotal moment of the session came when Starc removed a resolute KL Rahul in a somewhat contentious dismissal.
In a rare turn of events at the Optus Stadium, Australia didn’t win the toss for the first time in five Tests.
Pat Cummins, though, admitted to being uncertain about the best course of action on the surface.
Despite this, Jasprit Bumrah opted to bat first, but the Indian top-order faltered early.
Rahul, opening in Tests once again due to Rohit Sharma’s absence, showed good technique against the accurate Hazlewood, who was extracting generous seam movement.
However, Jaiswal was drawn into an ill-advised drive off Starc and edged to Nathan McSweeney at gully for a duck off just eight balls.
Devdutt Padikkal, drafted into the main squad to replace the injured Shubman Gill, began cautiously and struggled with his footwork.
After a prolonged period of survival, Padikkal edged a Hazlewood delivery that seamed sharply, the second most movement from the pacer in the session, and was dismissed for a low score.
Virat Kohli entered to a raucous reception but was dismissed after just 12 balls.
Hazlewood shortened his length and got one to rise unexpectedly, leaving Kohli unable to anticipate the extra bounce.
He fended at the delivery, and the ball flew to Usman Khawaja at first slip, reducing India to 32 for 3.
Rahul, while still vigilant in defense, had started to grow in confidence as the session wore on.
However, he was left frustrated when the third umpire overturned the on-field decision after a caught-behind review sent him back to the dressing room.
Against a delivery angled across from Starc, Rahul kept his bat close to his body as the ball passed the outside edge.
The appeal was made, and the review showed a slight spike on snicko right after the ball passed the bat.
The third umpire ruled in favor of the Australians after seeing the spike, despite the timing of the ball passing the bat coinciding with Rahul’s bat hitting his front pad.
Rahul walked off, visibly displeased.
Rishabh Pant remained composed against Nathan Lyon, who was introduced in the final minutes of the session.
Dhruv Jurel also survived a couple of close calls, including a play-and-a-miss and a sliced shot off Starc over the slips, to ensure India reached the break without further damage.
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