Bumrah, Kohli and Jaiswal shine on a historic day

The Last Ball Blow

Marnus Labuschagne, Australia's reliable No.3, described the disarray of the home team. Faced with Jasprit Bumrah, he shrugged off a delivery that trapped him in front of the stumps. As the shadowed Optus Stadium looked on, Labuschagne stood frozen, processing a moment that seemed to symbolize Australia's crumbling batting line-up. The ball hitting his pads was the final act of the day, sealing India's supremacy.

It was the Bumrah show once again. Earlier, Nathan McSweeney and Pat Cummins had fallen to Bumrah's accuracy and the latter departed in a poignant scene as the Australian skipper hobbled off, shoulders sagging under the weight of expectation and reality. Bumrah, with his steely presence and unerring accuracy, seemed to embody the unstoppable force that India had become.

Jaiswal's arrival

The day started with Yashasvi Jaiswal announcing himself on the big stage. The 22-year-old has shown a brilliant array of shots, combining flair with technical brilliance. Every boundary he hit was a statement; every race is a testament to his temperament. Jaiswal's first Test century on Australian soil wasn't just an innings – it was a herald of a future superstar. He surpassed the first innings total of both teams and left the crowd and the Australian bowlers in awe.

Standing tall amid the pressure of a hostile crowd and high expectations, Jaiswal looked like the player India hoped he would be. His headline drives, daring moves and elegant flicks lit up the stadium. When he eventually fell, the young batsman secured his place in the hearts of Indian fans and a place on the radar of Australian pundits for years to come.

Kohli's Class

If Jaiswal's innings was a revelation, Virat Kohli's century was a reaffirmation. Stepping into the foundations laid by Jaiswal and KL Rahul, Kohli showed why he remains one of the most respected batsmen in the game. His 30th Test century was not just a milestone; it was a warning shot for the rest of the series.

There was no shortage of trademark Kohli moments: a sumptuous cover drive from Mitchell Starc, an uppercut for a six and a commanding on-drive from Cummins, the highlight of the series. The significance of his ton lay not only in the runs but also in the psychological sharpness it provided India. Kohli's celebration, subdued but persistent, spoke volumes about his intent for the tour.

The final act

When the Indian bowlers took over, Australia were already on the ropes. Bumrah's late knocks under the fading light of Perth were more than passing; they were exclamation points on a day that India completely owned. As the team walked off the field, reluctantly led by the young Jaiswal, their spirit was in stark contrast to the despondent Australians.

A tale of two teams

It was a day of affirmation and celebration for India. For Australia, it was a sobering reminder of the work required to compete with a team firing on all cylinders. The gulf between the two sides was stark, and the narrative of this Test match, perhaps the series, seemed to be firmly in India's hands.

This day in Perth will be remembered not just for the cricket played, but for what it symbolised: the arrival of a new Indian hero in Jaiswal, the resurgence of their talisman Kohli and the brilliance of their spearhead Bumrah. It was a day when everything clicked for India, leaving Australia searching for answers under the long shadows cast by the setting sun and their own performance.