Fast, fierce, and unforgiving – Can India crack the code in Perth this time?
The anticipation for the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy has grown following a warning from Perth’s ground personnel. The surface at Optus Stadium is designed to emulate the original WACA track, which was fast and bouncy, taxing even the most terrific batting lineups. Curator Isaac McDonald hopes to create a surface similar to last year’s conditions, emphasising speed and bounce, to prolong play to Day 5.
Will we see a fast and furious pitch in Perth? 🔥
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 12, 2024
Full feature 👉 https://t.co/IaUZJbo1VZ #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/ZFiByVQmtx
Last season, PAK was bowled out for 89, demonstrating the pitch’s hardness. As India prepares for this tremendous task, let us reflect on five historic tests India played in Perth, loaded with successes and adversity that have shaped their history on this demanding pitch.
In December 2018, India took against Australia at the new Optus Stadium. Captain Virat Kohli struck an outstanding 123, but India only managed 283 in their first innings against Nathan Lyon’s stunning 5 for 67. Australia answered with 326, driven by Marcus Harris (70) and Travis Head (58).
Australia beat India by 146 runs in Perth Test. Series level at 1-1. #INDvAUS #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/D7axZPUgtg
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) December 18, 2018
Usman Khawaja hit 72 in the second innings, and Mohammed Shami grabbed 6 for 56. India battled in their chase and finished with 140 runs. Lyon (3/39) and Starc (3/46) secured a 146-run victory for Australia, levelling the series 1-1.
Australia 326 & 243; India 283 & 140, Australia won by 146 runs
The 2012 Perth Test was notable for David Warner’s blazing 180 off 159 balls, demonstrating Australia’s supremacy. Warner outperformed India in both innings as they battled, with Ben Hilfenhaus taking 4 for 43 and 4 for 54.
Virat Kohli’s 75 in the second innings provided the only resistance. Australia won by an innings and 37 runs, securing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Australia 369; India 161 & 171, Australia won by an innings and 37 runs.
India won the 2008 Perth Test despite Australia’s 16-match winning streak and home-field advantage. India scored 330 in the first innings, largely thanks to Rahul Dravid (93) and Sachin Tendulkar (71). RP Singh (4 for 68), Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma’s outstanding performances limited Australia to 212.
Laxman (79) and Sehwag (43) guided India to 294 in the second innings. Chasing a daunting 413, Australia fell short, being bowled out for 340, leading to India’s famous 72-run win.
India 330 & 294; Australia 212 & 340, India won by 72 runs
In 1992, a teenage Sachin Tendulkar faced one of Australia’s most daunting lineups on a difficult WACA ground. He was the only bright spot, hitting 114 against a bowling assault headed by Craig McDermott and Mike Whitney. However, India fell around him, with the rest of the squad unable to match Australia’s unrelenting pace.
Australia scored 346 and declared their second innings at 367/6, giving India a target of 442. Whitney’s 7 for 27 in the second innings saw India bowled for 141, giving Australia a comfortable 300-run victory.
Australia 346 & 367/6d; India 272 & 141, Australia won by 300 runs
The 1977 Perth Test came down to the wire. India set Australia a target of 339 following an outstanding all-round performance, with Mohinder Amarnath producing a brutal 90 and a century and Bishan Bedi taking 5 for 105 in the second innings. Australia’s captain, Bob Simpson, produced a match-winning 176 to lead his team to a dramatic two-wicket triumph in one of the most tightly contested games at the site.
India 402 & 330/9d; Australia 394 & 342/8, Australia won by 2 wickets
