Bumrah, Kohli and Jaiswal shine on a historic day

The last shot of the ball

Marnus Labuschagne, Australia’s reliable No.3, encapsulated the disarray of the home team. Facing Jasprit Bumrah, he shouldered his arms to a delivery that caught him lead in front of the stumps. As he watched Optus Stadium in the shadows, Labuschagne froze, processing a moment that seemed to symbolize Australia’s crumbling batting line-up. The ball hitting his pads was the final act of the day, sealing India’s rise.

It was the Bumrah show once again. Earlier, Nathan McSweeney and Pat Cummins fell to Bumrah’s accuracy, the latter departing in a poignant scene as Australia’s skipper walked away, shoulders slumped under the weight of expectations and reality. Bumrah, with his steely presence and unerring accuracy, seemed to embody the unstoppable force that India had become.

Arrival of Jaiswal

The day started with Yashasvi Jaiswal announcing himself on the big stage. The 22-year-old displayed a dazzling array of shots, combining style with technical brilliance. Every boundary he hit was a statement; every race is a testament to his temperament. Jaiswal’s maiden Test century on Australian soil wasn’t just an innings, it was a harbinger of a future superstar. He surpassed the first innings totals of both teams and left the crowd and Australia’s bowlers in awe.

Standing amid the pressure of a hostile crowd and high expectations, Jaiswal looked like the player India hoped he would be. His covers, bold moves and stylish films lit up the stadium. By the time he finally fell, the young batsman had secured his place in the hearts of Indian fans and a place on the radar of Australian pundits for years to come.

Kohli’s class

If Jaiswal’s innings was a revelation, Virat Kohli’s century was a reaffirmation. Coming in with the foundations laid by Jaiswal and KL Rahul, Kohli showed why he remains one of the most revered batsmen in the game. His 30 Test century was not just a milestone; it was a warning shot for the rest of the series.

There was no shortage of Kohli’s signature moments – a sumptuous run off cover to Mitchell Starc, an uppercut for a six and a drive off Cummins, the highlight of the lot. The importance of his ton lay not only in the runs but in the psychological advantage it provided India. Kohli’s subdued but assertive celebration spoke volumes about his intent for the tour.

The final act

By the time the Indian bowlers took over, Australia were already on the ropes. Bumrah’s late strikes under the fading lights of Perth were more than wickets; they were exclamation marks on a day that India completely owned. As the team left the field, reluctantly led by the young Jaiswal, their spirits were in stark contrast to the despondent Australians.

A tale of two teams

For India, it was a day of validation and celebration. For Australia, it was a reminder of the work required to compete against a team firing on all cylinders. The gulf between the two sides was stark, and the narrative of this Test match, perhaps the series, appeared to be firmly in India’s hands.

This day in Perth will be remembered not just for the cricket played, but for what it symbolised: the arrival of a new Indian hero in Jaiswal, the resurgence of their talisman Kohli and the brilliance of their spearhead Bumrah. It was a day when everything clicked for India, leaving Australia searching for answers under the long shadows cast by the setting sun and their own performance.