Centuries by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, followed by Jasprit Bumrah magnificent bowling helped India beat Australia by 295 runs in the first Test of the five-match series. Chasing 534, Australia kept on losing wickets at regular intervals as India bundled them out for 238. For India, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah scalped three wickets each while Washington Sundar took two wickets. For Australia, Travis Head was the star player as he scored 89 runs. Apart from him, Mitchell Marsh scored 47 while Alex Carey scored 36. Earlier, Jaiswal scored 161 while Kohli brought up his memorable 30th Test ton. With this win, India have taken 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
With the absence of skipper Rohit Sharma and batter Shubman Gill, the popular belief was the Team India is likely to face a hard time in Australia in the first Test. However, the star pacer Jasprit Bumrah accepted the responsibility with a smiling face and propelled India to a marvelous 295-run victory.
With a Test century after around 500 days, Virat finally roared back to the form in a territory where he thrives the most, Australia, breaking several records and adding plenty to his legacy as a visiting batter. During the match, Virat scored an unbeaten 100 in 143 balls, with eight fours and two sixes. His runs came at strike rate of 69.93. After scoring the century, Virat had a sight of relief as he raised his bat above his head.
Now, Virat has scored his 81st international century and continues his chase for idol Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100 international centuries. This is also his 30th Test century. Now in 119 matches, Virat has scored 9,145 runs at an average of 48.13, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties. His best score is 254*.
Also, with 54 List A centuries, nine T20 centuries and 37 first-class centuries, Virat has completed 100 centuries in professional cricket.
This is Virat's 12th international century in Australia, the most by any batter. He has scored 3,531 runs in 43 matches and 55 innings at an average of 56.95 in Australia, with 12 centuries and 19 fifties and best score of 169. He has levelled with Sunil Gavaskar (seven centuries against West Indies) for most Test hundreds in an away country for India.
He has also equalled Sachin Tendulkar's tally of nine centuries against Australia for joint third-most centuries in Tests against an opponent for India. The most Test hundreds against an opponent for India is by Sunil Gavaskar, who has 13 centuries against West Indies.
Coming to the match, India won the toss and opted to bat first. India was bundled out for just 150 runs, with Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37) playing crucial knocks and forming a vital 48-run sixth wicket stand.
Australia's reply was even worse and they were reduced to 79/9 at one point. However, Mitchell Starc (26) and Alex Carey (21) took Aussies to 104 runs, giving India a lead of 46 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah was the top-most bowler for India, taking 5/30 in 18 overs. Harshit Rana also impressed on debut with a spell of 3/48.
In their second innings, India swelled their lead massively. There was a 201-run opening stand between KL Rahul (77 in 176 balls) and Jaiswal. Jaiswal also had a fine 74 run stand with Devdutt Padikkal (25). Later, he succumbed to Mitchell Marsh for 161 in 297 balls. An 89-run stand between Virat (100*) and Washington Sundar (29) and a 77-run stand with Virat and Nitish Kumar Reddy (38*) pushed India to 487/6. India lead by 533 runs, giving Aussies a gigantic 534 runs to win.
