India Struggles at 51-4 on Day One Against Australia

In a gripping encounter at the WACA Ground in Perth, the first Test match between India and Australia has taken a dramatic turn. On a day that saw both teams struggle with the bat, Australia’s bowlers, particularly Josh Hazlewood, showcased their skills, leading to a challenging situation for the Indian side. As the match unfolded, it became clear that the seam-friendly conditions were favoring the bowlers, making it a tough day for the batsmen.

Australia's seamers were relentless, with Hazlewood claiming an impressive four wickets for just 29 runs. This performance was pivotal in bundling India out for a mere 150 runs. The Indian batting lineup, already weakened by the absence of key players like Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, faced an uphill battle from the very beginning. The morning session was particularly disheartening for India, as both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal fell for ducks, leaving the team in a precarious position.

Virat Kohli, who has been struggling to find form for the past 16 months, was dismissed cheaply for just five runs, caught in the slips off Hazlewood's bowling. The situation worsened when KL Rahul was controversially given out after a review, leaving India reeling at 67-7 at stumps. However, Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy managed to provide some resistance, adding 48 runs together before Reddy was dismissed for 41 runs.

As the day progressed, Australia’s batting also faltered. They ended the day at 67-7, trailing by 83 runs. Jasprit Bumrah, stepping in as captain, was instrumental in dismantling the Australian batting lineup, taking four wickets for just 17 runs. His performance included the prized scalps of Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith, both of whom fell victim to his exceptional bowling.

Despite the struggles, the match remains finely poised. With Nathan McSweeney and Pat Cummins at the crease, Australia will need to regroup and focus on building a substantial lead. The Indian bowlers, led by Bumrah, will be eager to capitalize on their momentum and restrict Australia further.

As the first day of the Test match concludes, it is evident that both teams have faced their challenges. The unpredictable nature of Test cricket means that anything can happen in the coming days. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if India can bounce back and if Australia can recover from their batting woes. This match not only highlights the importance of adaptability in cricket but also serves as a reminder of the thrilling unpredictability that makes Test cricket so captivating.