Harshit Rana’s slower delivery wasn’t extraordinary by any means. Yet, Alex Carey, bringing his bat forward too early, ended up being bowled by that very ball. It almost seemed as if the wicket was destined for Harshit. By then, every Indian bowler had already marked their presence on the wickets column. In a match where everyone from India had something to celebrate, why should Harshit leave empty-handed?
Harshit’s slower ball to Carey brought another memorable moment for India on Australian soil. Chasing a monumental 533 runs, Australia’s second innings folded for 227, handing India a massive 295-run victory. In terms of runs, this is India’s biggest win against Australia in Australia. Moreover, this is the first time Pat Cummins’ team lost a Test in Perth, their fortress.
The script for India’s dominance was evident by the third day’s evening when Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj reduced Australia to 12/3, defending a record target of 534. By the fourth day, the task was clear—claim the remaining seven wickets as quickly as possible.
Australia didn’t surrender outright, though. Despite losing Usman Khawaja early in the second over, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey ensured the hosts batted for 55 overs. Partnerships like the 62 runs between Head and Steve Smith, 82 runs between Head and Marsh, and 45 runs between Carey and Mitchell Starc added respectability but couldn’t change the inevitable outcome. While Marsh’s 2 sixes and 3 fours and Head’s 8 boundaries entertained the crowd, the day primarily revolved around waiting for India’s triumph.
Siraj did most of the heavy lifting on Day 4, dismissing Khawaja and Smith to reduce Australia to 79/5. The rest was completed by Washington Sundar and Harshit, with Harshit’s wicket of Carey adding a symbolic finishing touch.
This match was a test of India’s depth and resilience. It saw the debut of Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy, the first Test appearances in Australia for players like Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, and the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli’s lean patch with the bat added to the challenge. Coming off a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand at home, the odds were stacked against India. Yet, by the fourth afternoon in Perth, all doubts were erased by this remarkable 295-run victory.
The win also marked the first loss for Australia at the Perth Stadium since its inauguration in 2018, where they had won their previous four Tests.
Under Bumrah’s leadership, India shattered the Perth fortress. Bumrah, who claimed 5 wickets in the first innings and 8 wickets for 72 runs in the match, was rightfully named Player of the Match.
Brief Scores:
India: 150 & 487/6 (Jaiswal 161, Kohli 100*, Rahul 77, Nitish 38*, Washington 29; Lyon 2/96, Hazlewood 1/28).
Australia: 104 & 227 (Head 89, Marsh 47, Carey 36; Bumrah 3/42, Siraj 3/51, Sundar 2/48).
Result: India won by 295 runs.
