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Team India faced a challenging start on Day 1 of the Perth Test against Australia, losing 4 wickets by Lunch in quick succession. Australian pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood ran riot in the first session, claiming two wickets each to rattle the Indian top order.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal departed for ducks, while Virat Kohli managed just five runs. The most contentious dismissal, however, was KL Rahul falling to Starc for 26 after a determined knock.
Jasprit Bumrah opts to bat but Australia dominate early
India, led by stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah, won the toss and chose to bat first. While Bumrah showed confidence in the pitch, Australia’s pacers exploited the conditions to perfection. Pat Cummins, despite losing the toss, admitted he was unsure about the ideal choice on the surface, but his bowlers ensured Australia gained early control.
Also WATCH: Josh Hazlewood perfectly sets up Virat Kohli’s wicket on Day 1 of the AUS vs IND Perth Test
Rishabh Pant and Nathan Lyon’s lighthearted exchange amid intensity
Amid the tense gameplay, a lighthearted moment between Rishabh Pant and Australian spinner Nathan Lyon caught the attention of fans. During a change of overs, Lyon humorously asked Pant about their possible destinations in the IPL 2025 auction.
Lyon quipped: “Where we going in the auction?”
Pant, smiling, replied: “No idea!”
The exchange, though brief, provided a humorous respite on an otherwise intense day of Test cricket.
Here is the video:
SOUND 🔛 Just two old friends meeting! 😁🤝
Don't miss this stump-mic gold ft. 𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗕𝗛-𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜! 🤭
📺 #AUSvINDOnStar 👉 1st Test, Day 1, LIVE NOW! #AUSvIND #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/vvmTdJzFFq
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 22, 2024
India’s middle order in trouble
At the time of the exchange, India had lost six wickets for just 83 runs, with Pant batting on 25. Apart from Pant, Rahul was the only other batter to show some resistance, scoring 26 before his unfortunate dismissal. As the day progressed, India’s hopes for a respectable total rested on Pant’s shoulders and the lower order’s resilience.