Sat Nov 23 05:27:10 UTC 2024: **India Takes Early Lead in Thrilling First Test Against Australia**

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – November 23, 2024 – Jasprit Bumrah led India to an early advantage on day two of the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia in Perth. India, missing regular captain Rohit Sharma, won the toss and elected to bat first. However, their innings ended at a relatively modest 150 runs. Nitish Rana top-scored for India with 41 runs, while Josh Hazlewood claimed four wickets for Australia.

Bumrah then spearheaded India’s bowling attack, taking a five-wicket haul and dismantling the Australian batting lineup. Australia was bowled out for a paltry 104 runs, giving India a crucial 46-run lead. At the close of play, India’s second innings was underway, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul at the crease.

The day saw a number of key wickets fall early on for both sides. For India, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul were among the early casualties. For Australia, several batsmen succumbed to Bumrah’s fiery pace. The match is shaping up to be a closely fought contest.

**Head-to-Head:** Historically, Australia holds a commanding lead in Test matches against India (45 wins to India’s 32, with 29 draws and one tie). However, India’s record on Australian soil is significantly less impressive, with only 9 wins out of 52 Tests played.

**Playing XIs:**

**India:** KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah (capt), Mohammed Siraj.

**Australia:** Usman Khawaja, Nathan McAndrew, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

The match continues on day three.

Read More