PERTH: India clinched a dominant 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test at Perth Stadium, wrapping up the match on day four after reducing the hosts to 104-5, still trailing by 429 runs.
Starting their second innings at 12-3, Australia quickly lost Usman Khawaja for just four, caught behind off Mohammed Siraj. Harshit Rana then delivered a fiery spell, unsettling Steve Smith with a sharp bouncer before pressuring Travis Head, who anchored Australia’s innings with a fighting 62-run partnership.
Head counterattacked with his characteristic aggression, scoring an unbeaten 63, which included a ramped boundary over Rishabh Pant to notch up his 17th half-century. However, Siraj struck again, dismissing Smith for 17 to maintain India’s control.
India’s batting earlier laid the foundation for this emphatic win. After being dismissed for 150 on day one, they rebounded strongly to skittle Australia out for just 104. Centuries from Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second innings propelled India to a commanding 487-6 declared, setting Australia an imposing target of 534.
Despite Mitchell Marsh’s unbeaten five alongside Head, Australia’s chances of an improbable chase were extinguished. The 295-run triumph marked India’s fifth consecutive series win over Australia.
India’s clinical all-round performance was an emphatic statement following their 3-0 home series defeat to New Zealand earlier this month, showcasing resilience and dominance in the series opener.
