"Now that’s how to play in Australia" - Cricket fraternity reacts to India's massive 295-run win in 1st BGT 2024-25 Test

India clinched a thumping 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The match was played at the Optus Stadium in Perth, the same venue where the hosts beat India in the 2018 edition of BGT.

India set a humungous 534-run target for Australia to chase in the final innings, courtesy of centuries by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. While the former notched up his maiden ton Down Under, Kohli scored his 81st international ton, his 30th Test century, after a gap of 491 days.

It all started with the Australian bowlers dominating in the first innings as they dished out the visitors for 150 runs. Coming out to bat, the Aussies faced the Indian bowlers’ wrath spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, who picked up a five-wicket haul as the Pat Cummins-led side were restricted to a meager 104.

Coming out to bat again on Day 2 of the Perth Test, Indian openers Jaiswal and KL Rahul put up a show on display, closing the final session at 172/0 in 57 overs. The former carried his momentum on Day 3 and crossed the three-figure mark with a magnificent six.

While Rahul was dismissed after scoring 77 runs, Devdutt Padikkal, who walked out to bat at No. 3, couldn’t create much of an impact and returned to the pavilion soon. Though Jaiswal looked to get a double ton, his dream run was halted by Mitchell Marsh, who dismissed the Indian opener on 161.

Kohli then led India’s charge and scored a magnificent ton to finally end his century drought in Tests. As the former skipper touched the three-digit mark, India declared the innings at 487/6, posting a 534-run target to Australia.

Their knocks did not go in vain as India successfully restricted the hosts to 238 during their massive run-chase and won the opening Test of the five-match series. Here’s how the cricket fraternity (on X) reacted to India’s win:

“Now that’s how to play in Australia .. Brilliant team display by India ..,” wrote Michael Vaughan.

“This is proper beating by team India.This dominating victory of India will dent Australia’s confidence going forward in this series. #BGT,” wrote Irfan Pathan.

“Team India passes Perth Test by 295 runs! Proud Moment,” said S Badrinath.

"What a win! First team to beat Australia at the Optus. And an incredible turnaround after getting 150 all out in the first innings. Never count us out of the running for the #WTCFinal," tweeted RP Singh.

"India storms to a commanding victory at Perth! Jasprit Bumrah leads from the front, with Virat and Yashasvi shining with their batting brilliance and experience. The team played as one unstoppable force, and kudos to Nitish Reddy for a memorable Test debut!," wrote Suresh Raina.

"Congratulations to Team India for a great win in Perth! After the first innings collapse, the team fought back strongly. The fast bowlers were outstanding and made this victory special!," stated Yusuf Pathan.

Bowlers’ collective efforts seal the deal for India

It was all about the Indian bowlers’ dominance in the final innings of the opening Test, as they dished out the Australian side for just 238 runs. While Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj picked up three wickets each, Washington Sundar spun his web around to scalp two batters.

While Nitish Kumar Reddy, one of India’s two Test debutants, picked up his maiden wicket, Harshit Rana, the other debutant, scalped the final wicket of Alex Carey to help India clinch the game with over a day to spare.