India heaved a sigh of relief as they finally broke the frustrating 10th-wicket stand between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood during the first Test in Perth. Actor Anushka Sharma, wife of Virat Kohli, and sports anchor Sanjana Ganesan, wife of Jasprit Bumrah, were seen visibly relieved in the stands, a moment that quickly went viral online.
Their reactions mirrored the emotions of fans, as Starc and Hazlewood had stitched together 25 runs off 110 balls to bring Australia closer to India’s total. Despite the late resistance, India maintained dominance, thanks to a stellar performance by skipper Jasprit Bumrah, who registered a brilliant 5-30.
Literally all of us after that Starc wicket 😭
— Pallavi Anand (@PallaviSAnand) November 23, 2024
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Bumrah and Rana Shine Amid Starc and Hazlewood’s Resistance
India started day two strongly, with Bumrah dismissing Alex Carey on his very first delivery to complete his 11th five-wicket haul in Tests. Debutant Harshit Rana also impressed, claiming 3-48, including the crucial wicket of Nathan Lyon. However, Australia’s last pair, Starc and Hazlewood, stood firm, frustrating the Indian bowlers by defending solidly and rotating the strike effectively. Starc, in particular, took a blow to the helmet but continued undeterred, adding valuable runs to Australia’s total.
The seam movement of the ball decreased after 40 overs, which further aided their partnership—the highest in Australia’s innings. Rana eventually ended Starc’s gritty knock of 26 runs off 112 balls, ensuring India secured a 46-run lead before lunch.
India Looks to Capitalize on Early Advantage
With Australia bowled out for 104 in 51.2 overs, India gained a significant upper hand in the match. The score marked Australia’s third-lowest total at home in Tests since 2000. The Indian bowlers, led by Bumrah and Rana, ensured the hosts were unable to capitalize on their home advantage.
As the focus now shifts to India’s second innings, the team will aim for a stronger batting performance to build a commanding lead. The viral reactions of Anushka Sharma and Sanjana Ganesan have added a lighter, human touch to this intense Test match, reflecting the collective emotions of the Indian cricketing fraternity.
Brief Scores: India 150 in 49.4 overs lead Australia 104 in 51.2 overs (Mitchell Starc 26, Alex Carey 21; Jasprit Bumrah 5-30, Harshit Rana 3-48) by 46 runs.
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