India achieved a spectacular victory in the first Test at Perth, defeating Australia by a huge margin of 295 runs on Monday. This incredible performance left the Australian team struggling to find answers.
Chasing an impossible target of 534 runs, the world’s top Test team was all out for 238 in the final session of Day 4. This win is India’s biggest-ever victory in terms of runs on Australian soil in Test cricket.
It also marks a historic turnaround for India, who entered this series under pressure after a 3-0 defeat at home against New Zealand.
47 Years Later, History is Made in Perth
This victory is India’s second Test win in Perth and their first since the famous WACA Ground win in 2008. Additionally, it stands as India’s second-largest win against Australia in Tests, only behind the 320-run triumph in Mohali during MS Dhoni’s captaincy in 2008.
The previous record for India’s biggest win in Australia was set in 1977 when Bishan Singh Bedi’s team defeated the hosts by 222 runs in Melbourne.
India’s Biggest Wins vs Australia (By Runs)
- 320 runs – Mohali, 2008
- 295 runs – Perth, 2024
- 222 runs – Melbourne, 1977
- 179 runs – Chennai, 1998
- 172 runs – Nagpur, 2008
This win also became India’s second-biggest victory outside Asia in terms of runs.
India’s Biggest Wins Outside Asia (By Runs)
- 318 runs – vs West Indies, North Sound, 2019
- 295 runs – vs Australia, Perth, 2024
- 279 runs – vs England, Headingley, 1986
- 272 runs – vs New Zealand, Auckland, 1968
- 257 runs – vs West Indies, Kingston, 2019
Captain Bumrah’s Stunning Performance
Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in history with a match haul of 8/72, one of the best bowling performances by an Indian captain in Tests. His achievement ranks fourth among Indian Test captains, following legends like Kapil Dev and Bishan Singh Bedi.
Best Match Returns by Indian Captains:
- 10/135 – Kapil Dev vs WI, Ahmedabad, 1983
- 10/194 – Bishan Singh Bedi vs AUS, Perth, 1977
- 9/70 – Bishan Singh Bedi vs NZ, Chennai, 1976
- 8/72 – Jasprit Bumrah vs AUS, Perth, 2024
- 8/109 – Kapil Dev vs AUS, Adelaide, 1985
Bumrah’s bowling stats in Australia are exceptional:
- Matches: 8
- Wickets: 40
- Average: 18.80
- Strike Rate: 45.7
- 5-Wicket Hauls: 2
Among bowlers with 30+ Test wickets in Australia since World War II, Bumrah’s average is second only to Sir Richard Hadlee (17.83).
Australia’s Struggles Continue
This loss marks the fourth instance in the 21st century where Australia has lost the first Test of a home series:
- vs South Africa, Perth, 2008
- vs South Africa, Perth, 2016
- vs India, Adelaide, 2018
- vs India, Perth, 2024
Additionally, Australia’s low match aggregate of 342 runs in this Test adds to their rare sub-400 totals at home since 2000, reflecting their struggles.
Sub-400 Aggregates at Home (Since 2000)
- 246 vs South Africa, Hobart, 2016
- 342 vs India, Perth, 2024
- 356 vs England, Melbourne, 2010
- 369 vs New Zealand, Hobart, 2011
- 395 vs India, Melbourne, 2020
This historic victory has given India a 1-0 lead in the series, building hope for further triumphs Down Under.
