India defeated Australia by 295 runs in first Test at Optus stadium. It completes a stunning victory for India, who were written off by many before the game after their 3-0 defeat at home to New Zealand. They were without their captain, their No3, their wristspinner and their second best fast bowler. They chose to leave out two spinners with a combined total of 855 Test wickets and nearly 7000 Test runs. Their XI included four players with only four caps between them – and they thrashed Australia’s best XI, give or take, on the bounciest pitch in the country.
It’s India’s fifth Test win in Australia since 2018; before that they had managed only five in 70 years. They are making a mockery of one the toughest challenges in cricket, often with a below-strength team.
The stars were the remarkable pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal (0 and 161) and Jasprit Bumrah (8 for 62 in the match). But all 11 players contributed with bat, ball or in the field. In the circumstances, it’s a win for the ages.
