Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: What happened in the last India vs Australia Test in Perth?

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Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: India and Australia are set to face off at the Optus Stadium in Perth for the first Test of the BGT 2024-25, beginning on November 22.

Known for its lively pitches offering pace and bounce, Perth has always posed unique challenges for batters. The upcoming clash is especially significant as India looks to secure a strong start in a series steeped in history, while Australia seeks to capitalize on home conditions.

Perth has a storied cricketing legacy, initially associated with the iconic WACA, which hosted its last Test in 2017. Renowned for its lightning-fast surfaces and intimidating cracks, the WACA was a fortress for Australian cricket.

Its successor, the Optus Stadium, continues the tradition with modern facilities and pitches that demand resilience and adaptability. India’s lone victory in Perth came at the WACA in 2008, while the Optus hosted its first India-Australia Test in 2018, with Australia claiming a resounding win.

With the crucial upcoming match at the Perth Stadium, let’s have look at what happened in the last India vs Australia Test match at the iconic city.

Revisiting the Last India vs Australia Test in Perth

India and Australia last locked horns in a Perth Test during the second match of their 2018-19 series. Played at the newly inaugurated Optus Stadium, the match showcased a thrilling contest on a challenging pitch, with the hosts ultimately securing a 146-run victory to level the series 1-1.

Batting first, Australia posted a solid 326 runs in their first innings, with half-centuries from Marcus Harris, Aaron Finch, and Travis Head. Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma were the standout bowlers for India, claiming two and four wickets, respectively.

India responded with 283 runs, anchored by a magnificent 123 by Virat Kohli. His knock, marked by elegance and grit, remains one of his finest centuries under challenging conditions. Nathan Lyon, with his five-wicket haul, ensured Australia maintained a slender 43-run lead.

Nathan Lyon’s Dominance at Perth

In their second innings, Australia managed 243, thanks to a gritty 72 by Usman Khawaja and contributions from Tim Paine. Mohammed Shami’s fiery six-wicket haul kept India in the game. However, the Indian batting collapsed in their chase of 287, bundled out for just 140 runs. Lyon again tormented the visitors, adding three wickets to his match tally of eight.

This victory was pivotal for Australia, marking a resurgence after a turbulent year. For India, while the loss stung, the series ended on a historic note as they secured their first-ever Test series win on Australian soil.