Fri Nov 22 21:07:07 UTC 2024: ## India’s Rana Claims Maiden Test Wicket, but Aussie Pacers Dominate Day 1 in Perth
Perth, Australia – Harshit Rana made a memorable Test debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth, claiming the prized wicket of Australian batsman Travis Head. The Indian pace bowler bowled Head for 11 runs, a clean bowled dismissal that marked Rana’s first international scalp. Head’s dismissal, however, was a rare bright spot for India on a disastrous first day.
India, winning the toss and electing to bat first, were bowled out for a paltry 150 runs. The Australian pace attack wreaked havoc, with Josh Hazlewood taking 4 wickets for 29 runs. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Mitchell Marsh each claimed two wickets apiece. India’s top order crumbled, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdatt Padikkal failing to score, and KL Rahul (26) and Virat Kohli (5) making minimal contributions. Rishabh Pant top-scored with 37 runs before being dismissed by Pat Cummins.
While India’s batting faltered, their bowling attack showed some fight. Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah provided a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith in consecutive deliveries, including Smith’s second ever golden duck in Tests. Bumrah’s performance was complemented by Rana’s crucial wicket of Head, breaking through the Australian batsman’s defenses with a delivery that shattered the off-stump.
At the close of play, Australia were 67/7, trailing India by 83 runs. Despite Rana’s impressive debut and Bumrah’s crucial wickets, the first day belonged firmly to the Australian bowlers. The match continues.
First Piper 