Nov 23, (V7N) - Australia's batting woes continued on day two of the opening Test against India in Perth, with the hosts bowled out for 104 at lunch, trailing India by 46 runs. After resuming on 67-7, Australia was unable to make significant progress, losing Alex Carey and Nathan Lyon in a tense session on a lively pitch. However, Mitchell Starc fought back with a gritty 26, adding a crucial 25-run stand with Josh Hazlewood, which was the longest partnership of the innings.
Starc faced 112 balls, showing resilience despite the pressure from India's bowlers. His effort, along with Hazlewood’s not-out seven, helped Australia reach three figures, much to the delight of the Perth crowd. Starc eventually fell, caught by Rishabh Pant off Harshit Rana, but his stubborn innings provided vital resistance.
Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer for India, claiming 5-30, marking his 11th five-wicket haul in Tests. Rana supported well with 3-48, as India’s bowlers continued to dominate. Australia’s hopes rested on Carey, who resumed on 19, but he fell early, caught behind off Bumrah’s round-the-wicket delivery. Lyon, who battled briefly for his five runs, was dismissed by Rana, leaving Hazlewood and Starc to offer the last stand.
India's first-innings total of 150 had already given them the upper hand, and Australia's fightback was limited. The match is now finely poised, with India looking to extend their lead, having won the last two Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. The opening Test in Perth is the first of a five-match series.
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