New Delhi: The opening day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia witnessed exhilarating action as fast bowlers ruled the roost at the Optus Stadium in Perth. A remarkable 17 wickets fell on Day 1 of the opening Test – the most on the Australian soil in 72 years – as batters from both teams struggled to cope with the pace and bounce of the green track at the Perth stadium.
After being bowled out for 150 in two sessions, Indian pacers gave Australia a taste of their own medicine, bagging 7 wickets in 27 overs in the final session to leave the hosts reeling at 67 for 7, still 83 behind India’s first-innings total. While Josh Hazlewood was the star of the show for the hosts, Jasprit Bumrah, the stand-in skipper led from the front for India. Both Hazlewood and Bumrah wreaked havoc with the new ball and picked up four wickets each.
It was a dream pitch for any fast bowler with part-timers like Mitchell Marsh and debutant Harsh Rana also troubling the batters on a lively track. Imagine a bowler of a calibre and ability like Wasim Akram bowling on this wicket. The former Pakistan pacer, widely regarded as the best left-arm fast bowler of all time, was watching the action from close quarters. Wasim, who is part of the commentary panel for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, would have been unplayable on this track.
Why was Wasim Akram trending on social media?
The iconic fast bowler is renowned for his assessment and reading of the game during commentary. After the match, the legendary quick started trending on social media with fans sharing bits and pieces of his commentary during Day 1, where he also termed Bumrah as the best bowler in world cricket.
Here’s a look at some social media posts related to Akram shared on X by fans.
Wasim Akram said “The best bowler in World Cricket”.
– This is Jasprit Bumrah 🐐 pic.twitter.com/JDFLIFhEOj
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 22, 2024
Hard to disagree with Wasim Akram!#BGT2024 #AUSvIND #JaspritBumrah pic.twitter.com/5Q7t9pOAV0
— Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) November 22, 2024
Wasim also praised Rishabh Pant who played a fighting knock of 37 and combined with Nitish Reddy (41) to rescue the ship.
Wasim akram in commentary 🗣️ :- “If Rishabh Pant hadn’t stabilized the innings, it could have been another 36 all out.”
He aslo added , “I have never seen a player like Rishabh Pant in my life.”#rishabhpant #wasimakram #BGT pic.twitter.com/mL1fgmoDJQ
— Harsh shekhawat (@wordofshekhawat) November 22, 2024
During the afternoon session, Akram and his old friend Ravi Shastri went nostalgic and shared stories form their playing days.
Star Sports Commentary ⤵️
Ravi Shastri “The ball hit me, in the West Indies, and everyone was laughing.”
Wasim Akram “In our time, they used to lay us down when the ball hit there.”
Peak Stories in comm box 😂 🇮🇳 🤝🇵🇰
— Abu Bakar Tarar (@abubakartarar_) November 22, 2024
Akram also termed KL Rahul unlucky after the Indian batter was dismissed following a contentious decision by the third umpire.
Wasim Akram – “KL Rahul was unlucky there”.
Sanjay Manjrekar – “There was not conclusive evidence”.
Deep Dasgupta – “No conclusive evidence, KL Rahul was unlucky”.
Mark Nicholas – “I don’t see any conclusive evidence to over the on field decision”.
– UNLUCKY, KL..!!!💔 pic.twitter.com/pNpunrPG47
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) November 22, 2024
Perth Test evenly poised
While India will look to bowl Australia out as quickly as possible on Day 2, Australia will bank their hopes on Alex Carey, who is unbeaten on 19. The Aussie wicket-keeper batter, who is known for his courageous knocks down the order, poses a big threat to the Indians. Mitchell Starc (6), the other batter at the crease at stumps, is also no mug with the bat.
Earlier, India were skittled for just 150 at the stroke of Tea after another batting collapse. The likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli and debutant Devdutt Padikkal failed to fire with the bat as Nitish Kumar Reddy top-scored with 41.
Australian national cricket team vs Indian national cricket team: Pakistan legend Wasim Akram dominated the social media trends after the first day of first BGT Test in Perth. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
