Australia stumble as 17 wickets fall in Border-Gavaskar opener

The opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar series has taken a dramatic turn, with India seizing control after a shaky start.

With Australia starting as $1.40 bookmaker favourites with the leading Australian bookies, things have taken a quick turn with 17 wickets falling on day 1 at Optus Stadium and both teams now a $1.87 chance at BlondeBet.

Australia initially appeared to dominate, restricting India to 150 runs in their first innings, thanks to a superb bowling effort led by Josh Hazlewood, who took 4 wickets for just 29 runs.

However, the momentum shifted sharply as India’s bowlers dismantled Australia’s top order, leaving the visitors teetering at 7/67 by stumps.

Jasprit Bumrah, leading the Indian side, delivered a masterclass in bowling, claiming 4 wickets for a mere 17 runs.

His precision was instrumental in exposing Australia’s vulnerabilities as their top-order batsmen struggled to adapt to the conditions.

Steve Smith fell for a golden duck, while Usman Khawaja (9), debutant Nathan McSweeney (10), Marnus Labuschagne (3), and Travis Head (11) all failed to make significant contributions.

Alex Carey (19 not out) and Mitchell Starc (6 not out) are the last recognised pair at the crease, tasked with salvaging Australia’s innings when play resumes on Saturday.

With their current total at 67, Australia faces the grim possibility of posting their lowest score against India in a home Test, a record that stands at 83 all out from the 1981 Melbourne Test.

This series is pivotal for Pat Cummins and his cricket team, who have not defeated India on home soil in over a decade.

The rocky start has already raised concerns about Australia’s ability to end that drought, especially after such a lackluster batting display.

As the match progresses, all eyes will be on Australia’s lower order to mount a recovery and on India to capitalize on their commanding position.

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