India vs Australia, 1st Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins Script History at Perth

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India vs Australia, 1st Test: Cricketing history was made on the morning of November 22 as Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins walked out for the toss in the 1st Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth's Optus Stadium.

It marked the first instance of both India and Australia being led by fast bowlers in a Test match. While Cummins has been at Australia's helm since 2021, Bumrah stepped in as India's captain due to regular skipper Rohit Sharma’s absence on paternity leave.

This unique occurrence was a demonstration of the evolving roles of pacers in leadership, breaking the stereotype of Test captains primarily being batters. Bumrah joins a rare list of Indian pacers to captain the side, with Kapil Dev leading the team in 1985-86, the last time an Indian fast bowler captained in Australia.

For the hosts, Cummins has established himself as a successful captain, but this is the first time a fast bowler has led them against India in a home series.

India and Australia have faced each other in Tests since 1947-48, with contrasting fortunes over the decades. The leadership of the pacers in this series adds a fascinating layer to the historical rivalry.

India vs Australia 1st Test Match Summary Till Lunch: Visitors Stumble Early

Electing to bat first, India’s top order crumbled under relentless Australian bowling, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood wreaking havoc.

Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for a duck, nicking Starc to slip. Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli followed suit, both caught behind off Hazlewood’s sharp deliveries. KL Rahul, after a gritty 26, was undone by Starc’s persistence.

At lunch, India were reeling at 51/4, with Rishabh Pant and debutant Dhruv Jurel battling to rebuild. Australia’s pace trio was exceptional, exploiting the seam-friendly conditions. The inclusion of Mitchell Marsh as a bowling option paid dividends, claiming Jurel post-lunch.

India's middle-order now faces a stern test against a buoyant Australian attack on a lively Perth surface. With Bumrah leading the fightback later, fans are set for an engrossing battle.