Fri Nov 22 07:22:15 UTC 2024: ## Kohli’s Early Dismissal Casts Shadow Over India’s First Innings in Perth
**Perth, Australia:** Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to Test cricket ended abruptly in the first Ashes Test against Australia, leaving India reeling at 14/2 early in their innings. The former Indian captain was dismissed for a paltry 5 runs by Josh Hazlewood, sparking a collective gasp among fans worldwide.
Kohli, facing the in-form Hazlewood, initially showed positive intent, even executing a well-timed straight drive. However, Hazlewood, described by commentators as “brilliant,” proved too much for the Indian star. A rising delivery, climbing sharply after pitching outside off-stump, caught Kohli’s gloves before being snagged by Usman Khawaja at first slip.
This marked the fourth time Hazlewood has dismissed Kohli in Test cricket, leaving the Indian team in a precarious position on a challenging Perth pitch. Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal were both dismissed for ducks, setting the stage for Kohli’s quick exit. While the series is still young, the early dismissal significantly impacts India’s hopes for the first Test. Despite the setback, the focus remains firmly on Kohli’s performance throughout the five-match series.