Josh Hazlewood’s Magic Dismisses Kohli: Indian Batting Lineup Crumbles

The first Test between India and Australia began in Perth, and it has been a tough outing for the Indian batting lineup so far. Winning the toss, Indian captain KL Rahul decided to bat first, but the decision backfired as the Australian bowlers exploited the bouncy pitch effectively. India’s top order faltered within the first session itself, leaving fans and experts stunned.

The pitch at Perth is known for its pace and bounce, and the Australian pacers used it to perfection. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood wreaked havoc on the Indian batsmen, reducing them to 32/3. With two debutants in the lineup and bold team selections, the Indian team looked unsettled, struggling to deal with the fiery bowling attack led by Hazlewood.

Virat Kohli’s Early Exit: Hazlewood Strikes Gold

Virat Kohli, India’s most experienced batter, was expected to anchor the innings. However, his stay at the crease lasted only 12 balls, and he managed just 5 runs. Josh Hazlewood bowled a sharp, short delivery in the 17th over. The ball climbed awkwardly, surprising Kohli, who initially looked to play forward. As he tried to withdraw his bat, the ball took the edge and went straight to Usman Khawaja at first slip.

Khawaja made no mistake with the catch, and Hazlewood celebrated a prized scalp. Kohli looked visibly frustrated as he walked back, knowing the team’s position was precarious. His dismissal has left India in deeper trouble, with a long batting lineup yet to step up.

Virat Kohli wicket#BGT2024 #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/O3186lttrC

— Hi (@z2778231951878) November 22, 2024

Indian Openers Fail to Deliver

India’s innings started on a poor note as both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal departed without troubling the scorers. Mitchell Starc set the tone early by dismissing Jaiswal, who edged a full delivery to the wicketkeeper. Padikkal, playing his first Test, couldn’t handle Hazlewood’s bounce and fell shortly after.

The double blow at the top left the middle order exposed to a charged-up Australian bowling unit. KL Rahul, opening the innings, has shown some resilience, but with three early wickets gone, India’s chances of putting up a competitive first-innings score look slim.

Team Selection Raises Questions

India made some bold changes in their playing XI for this Test. Two debutants, Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana, were included, signaling a new strategy. Additionally, all-rounder Washington Sundar was preferred over senior spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. While these decisions reflect a focus on balancing the team, they seem risky, especially on a challenging pitch like Perth’s.

The newcomers will need to step up and prove their mettle, while the experienced players must guide them through this challenging phase. The absence of Ashwin and Jadeja also puts added pressure on Sundar to deliver with both bat and ball.

Australian Bowlers Dominate Early

The Australian pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood demonstrated why they are among the world’s best. Starc’s ability to swing the ball and Hazlewood’s accuracy made it extremely difficult for the Indian batsmen to settle.

Hazlewood’s sharp bounce troubled every batter, while Starc’s pace added to the pressure. The Indian team will need to regroup and find a way to counter these bowlers in the remaining sessions.

What’s Next for India?

With KL Rahul still at the crease, India’s hopes of a recovery rest on his shoulders. The middle order, featuring the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Nitish Reddy, must step up against a relentless Australian attack. Partnerships will be crucial if India wants to post a respectable total in the first innings.

For Australia, the key will be to maintain the pressure and continue exploiting the conditions. With the first session setting the tone, they are already in a commanding position.

This challenging start for India highlights the tough conditions in Australia, and the importance of adapting quickly to fast and bouncy pitches. Fans will be hoping for a fighting comeback as the match progresses.