In an effort to reclaim their dominance in Australia, India’s cricket team began their latest tour on a notably rocky note.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the visitors found themselves dismissed for a mere 150 runs just before the tea break at the iconic Perth Stadium, despite some flamboyant and fearless strokeplay from their wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant.
The Indian batting lineup struggled, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and number three batsman Devdutt Padikkal failing to make an impact, both returning to the pavilion without registering a single run in their inaugural Test innings on Australian soil.
Earlier in the day, McSweeney was honored with his first baggy green cap by former Australian Test coach Darren Lehmann, a significant milestone for the young cricketer, who quickly marked his debut by taking a well-judged catch at gully off Mitchell Starc’s bowling, dismissing Jaiswal in just his 13th delivery.
Jaiswal, who came into the series boasting an impressive Test average of 56.28, aimed aggressively at a delivery outside his off stump but unfortunately lost control of his shot.
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood showcased exceptional skill, both claiming two wickets for just 10 runs in eight overs during a blistering opening session on the lively Perth pitch. Hazlewood’s fine bowling eventually accounted for Padikkal, who could only last a dismal 39 minutes at the crease before his dismissal.
Padikkal’s wicket brought the seasoned Virat Kohli to the crease with India in a precarious position at 2-14; this was particularly concerning for Kohli, who has faced significant struggles in recent times, managing only two centuries in the last five years.
Hazlewood expertly worked over Kohli, and eventually, India’s most formidable batter faltered, guiding a rising delivery to Usman Khawaja at first slip, where he was dismissed for a mere five runs off 12 balls.
Australia erupted in celebration following Josh Hazlewood’s impactful dismissal of the star player, Virat Kohli. Credit: AP
Kohli’s unexpected exit left India in a precarious situation at 3-32, and the turmoil deepened when KL Rahul was ruled out after an innings of 26 runs.
Initially adjudged not out, it appeared that Rahul had nicked a delivery from Starc, but the Australian side, confident in their case, referred the decision to the third umpire. The technology revealed a spike on the snicko, leading to the contentious overturning of the on-field call.
Rahul, visibly frustrated, walked off the field shaking his head, feeling certain that the ball had hit his pad rather than the bat as he left the pitch after an exchange with the umpires.
Initial broadcast replays did not show conclusive footage of the ball’s trajectory past the bat, prompting speculation regarding whether the snicko had correctly identified the sound of the bat making contact with the pad. With Hotspot technology no longer in use, broadcasters relied on snicko to provide pivotal evidence for the third umpire’s decisions.
Former Test umpire Simon Taufel commented on the incident during a broadcast on Channel 7: “The umpire is looking for conclusive evidence, and there were a few gremlins … where he didn’t get a few camera angles that he wanted. In my view, the ball does graze the outside edge. With that side-on shot, there was a spike with the bat away from the pad.”
What specific challenges did the Indian team face during their innings at the Perth Stadium according to John Davidson?
**Interview with Cricket Analyst and Former Player, John Davidson**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, John. India’s start in Australia has been rather turbulent, to say the least. What was your overall impression of their innings at the Perth Stadium?
**John Davidson:** Thank you for having me. Yes, it was a disappointing performance from the Indian team. Opting to bat first usually indicates confidence, but their collapse for just 150 runs shows how challenging conditions were at Perth. The pitch had some life, and it was evident that the Australian bowlers, particularly Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, exploited it exceptionally well.
**Interviewer:** Indeed, Starc and Hazlewood were impressive. They both took two wickets each for just 10 runs. What role did their bowling play in shaping the game?
**John Davidson:** Their bowling was fundamental. Starc got early breakthroughs, including that crucial wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had been in good form leading into the series. Hazlewood followed up brilliantly, putting the pressure on the Indian batting lineup. When you lose two wickets for just 14 runs, as India did, it puts enormous pressure on the rest of the team, and Kohli faced that challenge when he came in.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of Kohli, how do you view his current form and mental state after such an innings?
**John Davidson:** It’s a tough spot for Kohli. He’s a player who thrives under pressure, but after a string of low scores, the weight of expectation must be hard to bear. Coming in at 2-14 is never easy, and with the pressure mounting, it’s vital he finds his rhythm quickly. His experience is crucial now, but he needs to play with more positivity to lift the team’s spirits.
**Interviewer:** Rishabh Pant did show some aggression in his batting. Did you see any positives in India’s performance, particularly from him?
**John Davidson:** Absolutely, Rishabh Pant’s fearless style is something India needs, especially when the rest of the batting order struggled. His ability to counterattack could be pivotal in future matches. If he can build on that flair and the team can rally around him, they might turn the tide. However, it does highlight that India cannot solely rely on one or two players, especially in such a tough series.
**Interviewer:** Youngster McSweeney made an impressive debut, taking a catch off Starc’s bowling. How important are such moments for a new player?
**John Davidson:** Very important! Debuting in a Test match, especially in front of a home crowd, can be intimidating. McSweeney’s catch not only boosted his confidence but also signified a solid start for him in international cricket. Such moments can define a player’s early career and inspire them to perform even better. It’s crucial for young players to seize these opportunities.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what does India need to focus on to recover from this rough start?
**John Davidson:** They need to regroup and focus on mental resilience. Building partnerships is essential, especially in these conditions. The batting order should aim for stability, with players supporting each other as they build innings. Additionally, they may need to adjust their strategy to counter the Australian bowlers more effectively. Quick learning and adaptation will be key as the series progresses.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, John, for your insights today.
**John Davidson:** My pleasure! I’m looking forward to seeing how the series unfolds.