Fri Nov 22 17:48:03 UTC 2024: ## Bumrah’s “Perfect Delivery” Stuns Smith, Leaves Australia Reeling in Perth Test
**Perth, Australia:** India captain Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stunning blow to Australia on Day 1 of the first Test in Perth, dismissing former captain Steve Smith for a golden duck with a “perfect delivery,” according to former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden. The dismissal, which trapped Smith lbw, left Australia reeling at 19/3 and set the tone for a dominant Indian performance.
Bumrah’s delivery, clocked at around 140 kph, was lauded by Hayden as a display of “genius planning.” The former opener highlighted the rarity of such a dismissal for Smith, emphasizing the impact on the Australian batting order. “Get Steve Smith out, expose Australia, and you get them in a position where you want them,” Hayden stated on Star Sports.
The dismissal was Bumrah’s second of Smith in Test cricket. The Indian captain finished the day with impressive figures of 4/17, also claiming the wickets of Usman Khawaja (8), Marnus Labuschagne (2), and debutant Nathan McSweeney (10). Mohammed Siraj contributed two wickets (2/17) as Australia ended the day on a precarious 67/7, trailing India’s first innings total of 150 by 83 runs. Smith’s dismissal marked his 11th duck in Test cricket and his second golden duck. The Indian team’s strong start leaves them in a commanding position heading into Day 2.
First Piper 