BGT, Perth Test, Day 4: Mohammed Siraj strikes twice in first session as India inch closer to win

India seamer Mohammed Siraj picked up two big wickets inside the first session on day four to help India inch closer to drawing first blood in the BGT opener in Perth. Siraj first removed opener, Usman Khawaja, caught by Rishabh Pant off a mistimed pull shot and later accounted for Steve Smith caught behind on 17. Travis Head completed his fifty as Australia's scorecard at lunch read 104 for five.

India began day four needing seven wickets to win the first Test at the Optus Stadium, with Siraj, who removed Aussie captain Pat Cummins late on day three, bagged Khawaja's wicket in his first over of the day. Putting Australia on the back foot right away was the Bumrah-led Indian Team's plan, and they delivered accordingly. 

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The left-handed Head joined Smith in the middle, opting for a cautious approach to steady Australia’s sinking ship. After minimising the new ball threat, Head attacked the opposition, smashing the pacers all across. He completed his fifty soon after, reviving little hopes of an unlikely turnaround for the hosts.

However, when the pair looked like winning Australia’s only session with the bat in this Test, Siraj struck again with a beauty, removing dangerous batter Smith. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh and Head played out the last few overs before lunch to keep wickets in hand, with two sessions remaining in the day.

What happened in Perth?

The series opener began outstandingly for the hosts, who wrapped up India’s first innings on 150 inside the first two sessions on day one. However, the Indians made a quick turnaround in the match after dismissing Australia on a paltry 104 in their turn. With a 46-run lead, the visitors made the most of the chance, piling up runs at will.

After a colossal 201-run stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul for the first wicket, India lost five wickets quickly, with their scorecard reading 321 for five at one stage. In the meantime, Jaiswal notched up his fourth Test hundred, hitting a brilliant 161. 

Standing at the other end, Virat Kohli returned to form, scoring his 30th Test hundred, his first in this format since July 2023. 

Riding on twin tons and a quick-fire unbeaten 38 off 27 balls by Nitish Reddy, India declared their second innings on 487 for six, giving Australia a daunting target of 534.

The hosts began the chase in the worst possible way, losing three wickets inside five overs, with opener Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne departing on single digits.

(With inputs from agencies)