Last updated on December 2nd, 2024 at 01:34 pm

Ponting Admits: India Better Away Than at Home

Newz Daddy Cricket Updates

Synopsis of the Article

• Former cricketer Ricky Ponting analyzed Team India’s victory in the Perth Test, praising their ability to play on foreign wickets.
• India bounced back after a series of whitewash against New Zealand to defeat Australia by 295 runs in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
• Despite a modest first-innings total of 150, India outperformed Australia with both bat and ball.
• Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj shone with the ball, while debutants Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana impressed.
• KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli dominated with the bat in the second innings, setting a massive target of 534.
• Australia struggled against India’s bowling attack, falling short with only 238 in their second innings.
• Bumrah was named Player of the Match for his stellar eight-wicket haul.
• Ponting admitted he underestimated India’s chances and noted their strength in handling challenging overseas conditions.

India’s Triumph in Perth: A Test to Remember

The world of cricket has taken notice of India’s resounding 295-run victory over Australia in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ricky Ponting, a former Australian cricket player, praised the Indian squad for their outstanding performance in the difficult Perth conditions, demonstrating their increasing proficiency on foreign pitches.

Ponting’s Take on Team India

Ricky Ponting discussed his thoughts on the game with Star Sports, emphasising India’s exceptional ability to adjust to foreign surroundings. Given that the conditions were so unfamiliar to them, I didn’t think India would win the first Test in Perth. However, they have demonstrated that they are more capable than ever of handling difficult wickets. In fact, Ponting said, “I think they’re stronger now when they’re not at home than when they are.”

He went on to highlight the importance of the toss and batting choices, saying, “India decided to bat first even though they were bowled out for only 150. But they took advantage of the bowling-friendly conditions and won the match.

A Difficult Start: India’s First Innings

India chose to bat after winning the toss, but they had trouble getting going. Only a few contributions stood out as the team was bundled out for 150. A vital 48-run partnership between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rishabh Pant provided some security. The bowling attack was spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood of Australia, with two wickets apiece from Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Mitchell Marsh.

Australia’s Collapse in Response

Australia’s batting performance was a complete failure. Their only relief came from a late partnership between Mitchell Starc and Alex Carey, which reduced them to 79/9 and left the total at a pitiful 104. Harshit Rana, who made his debut, showed promise with figures of 3/48, while Jasprit Bumrah had an incredible spell, taking five wickets for 30 runs.

India’s Second Innings: A New Definition of Dominance

India’s outstanding batting performance in the second innings changed the course of the match. With a 201-run partnership, openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal established a strong base. Virat Kohli, who scored an undefeated century, contributed to the dominance. With the help of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy, India was able to declare at 487/6, giving Australia a daunting 534-run mark.

Australia’s Struggles Continue

Australia had a terrible start to their second innings, as by the close of Day 3, Bumrah and Siraj had reduced them to 12/3. They only scored 238 runs, despite heroic efforts from Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana all contributed wickets, but Bumrah led the charge with yet another brilliant display.

The Game-Changer: India’s triumph was greatly aided by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah earned the title of Player of the Match with numbers of 5/30 in the first innings and important wickets in the second. His fierce bowling and leadership were crucial to India’s victory.

Ponting’s Concluding Reflections

Ponting admitted that, particularly after losing by such a significant score, Australia will be extremely disappointed with their performance. He gave India’s bowling unit praise for their exceptional skill and discipline. The debutants, Siraj, and Bumrah all bowled quite well. They made the most of the circumstances and gave an unforgettable performance for Australia,” he remarked.

A Growing Reputation

This triumph highlights India’s increasing strength abroad. The squad is establishing itself as a powerful force in world cricket with steady performances under trying circumstances. With India gaining tremendous momentum, the first Test in Perth has set the tone for an intriguing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

This win has again put India in the first position for the final of the World Test Championship (WTC).   Throwing down Australia in the second spot.  There are 5 teams this year in the race of final of the World Test Championship which can qualify.  It will be interesting to see which two teams are going to be in the final of WTC 2025.

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