BGT: Bumrah breaks Australia’s back after Kohli hits 30th Test hundred in Perth

There is nothing India can do wrong against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. After dominating with the bat, scoring a whopping 487 for six declared in their second innings, India picked up three wickets before stumps on day three to put Australia’s back against the wall. While Yashasvi Jaiswal made headlines for his maiden Test hundred Down Under, Virat Kohli’s 30th Test century was the cherry on the cake.

Captain Jasprit Bumrah picked up two wickets before stumps on day three, including debutant Nathan McSweeney on a duck and Marnus Labuschagne on three. Siraj claimed the wicket of Pat Cummins.

Australia now need 522 more runs to win the first Test with seven wickets remaining. 

Jaiswal, Kohli mat Australia

After India folded up for 150 in the first innings, they looked like surrendering the BGT opener even before the IPL 2025 mega auction would begin. Things changed quickly, as the visitors wrapped up Australia on a mere 104, with Bumrah picking a five-for. 

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A 46-run lead was a physiological advantage for India, which they banked on and made merry for the next five sessions. The openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, added 201 for the first wicket—the highest by an Indian opening pair in Australia. The left-hander batter hit his first Test hundred against the Oz, completing his fourth 150-plus score in Tests soon after. 

Though a flurry of wickets dented India’s momentum, with four batters back in the hut for 45 runs, Kohli and Washington Sundar steadied India’s ship, stitching a partnership to put their nose ahead in this game. The pair added 89 runs for the sixth wicket before Nathan Lyon bowled the all-rounder on 29.

Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy upped the ante with a quick-fire 38 off 27 balls, including two sixes and three fours, but what made everyone stand on their toes was Virat’s first Test hundred in 492 days and the seventh against Australia in their backyard. While everyone was celebrating his century, Bumrah called the pair up, declaring the innings, giving Australia the target of 534. 

Bumrah hit final nail in the coffin

Just when Australia thought they could have their moment in this match, Bumrah struck in his first over, removing McSweeney on a duck. Pat Cummins, who walked in as the night watchman, departed in the fourth over before Bumrah wrapped up the proceedings by trapping Marnus Labuschagne in front.

With two days remaining, Australia need a humongous effort to win the match from here. 

(With inputs from agencies)