Perth Test, Aus vs Ind: After all hype, Virat Kohli fails as brave move backfires on Day 1

Former India captain Virat Kohli’s poor run continued as a return to his favourite hunting ground, Australia, failed to change his fortunes. Kohli was dismissed for just five runs in the first innings of the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth on Friday, November 22.

Ever since Virat Kohli landed in Perth, he has been in the spotlight with a group of Australian media outlets putting him on the front page of a special issue. Several former Australian cricketers spoke highly of Kohli, despite his dismal form in the longest format of the game in 2024. Many of them cautioned the Australian players against provoking Kohli, warning them to steer clear of his confrontational side.

AUS vs IND 1st Test, Day 1 Live

However, things unravelled quickly as Kohli fell victim to extra bounce from Josh Hazlewood during the morning session at the Optus Stadium. Kohli looked far from comfortable during his 12-ball stay at the crease. Managing just five runs, he succumbed to a smart delivery from Hazlewood in the 13th over.

Kohli made a bold decision to bat well outside the crease in an attempt to negate the movement the Australian bowlers were extracting. His intent was to play on the front foot, but the extra bounce on offer at the Optus Stadium proved his undoing.

Spotting Kohli’s position outside the off-stump, Hazlewood delivered a short-pitched ball. Kohli found himself in no man’s land as the ball climbed on him, caught the edge, and was comfortably pouched by Usman Khawaja.

Noted cricket analyst Ben Jones highlighted the risk of Kohli’s approach, which he has employed several times in his career.

“Virat Kohli’s average interception point in that innings was the furthest down the track ever in his Test career. It’s always what he does when he’s under pressure – fire with fire. Quite a thing to try and do given his form though,” Jones remarked in a post on X.

Despite averaging over 50 with six centuries in Australia, Kohli could be in for a challenging series, given his recent form. Earlier in the year, he managed only 93 runs during India’s shocking 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand, struggling to cope with spin then.

India found themselves in trouble at 32 for 3 in the 17th over. Having won the toss and chosen to bat, the Indian top-order crumbled against the quality of the Australian pacers. Yashasvi Jaiswal departed for a duck in the third over, attempting an expansive drive, while Devdutt Padikkal showed little intent during his 23-ball stay before being dismissed for 0.

KL Rahul, however, displayed resilience, combining caution with the ability to punish loose deliveries, ensuring India avoided a complete collapse in the first session.