Perth: India made history by defeating Australia comprehensively in Perth on Monday, marking one of their biggest victory margins outside Asia. The win in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy came by a massive 295 runs, highlighting India’s dominance.
This victory stands among India’s largest wins outside Asia by runs, surpassed only by their 318-run victory against the West Indies in North Sound in 2019. Other notable wins include a 279-run triumph over England at Headingley in 1986, a 272-run win against New Zealand in Auckland in 1968, and a 257-run victory over the West Indies in Kingston in 2019.
Against Australia, this 295-run win in Perth ranks as one of India’s biggest victory margins by runs. The only larger victory came in Mohali in 2008, where India won by 320 runs. Other significant wins over Australia include a 222-run victory in Melbourne in 1977, a 179-run win in Chennai in 1998, and a 172-run triumph in Nagpur in 2008.
Australia’s loss in this match also marked a rare defeat in the first Test of a home series in the 21st century. Previous instances include losses to South Africa in Perth (WACA) in both 2008 and 2016, and to India in Adelaide in 2018. This victory is the second instance of India winning a Test series opener in Australia, the first being their win in Adelaide in 2018.
India’s comprehensive win in Perth sets the tone for the series, with the team now leading 1-0 in the five-match series. The performance, highlighted by strong bowling and a solid all-around effort, showcases India’s prowess and determination to succeed on Australian soil.
Coming to the match, stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah was the star of the match, taking eight wickets, including a crucial five-wicket haul in the first innings.