Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh is confident that a solid batting performance in the second innings could help India secure a commanding victory over Australia in Perth, boosting their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final next year. Despite suffering a rare home series defeat to New Zealand, India bounced back strongly in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener. Under Jasprit Bumrah's leadership in the first Test, India displayed resilience, bowling Australia out for 104 after being dismissed for 150 in their first innings.
Following India’s strong bowling performance, which gave them a crucial 46-run lead, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul provided a solid start in the second innings.
Harbhajan believes that if the Indian batsmen can capitalize on this momentum in their second innings, the result of the opening Test will likely tilt in their favour.
"We have got an important lead. India has played really well under the captaincy of Jasprit Bumrah, bowling has been very good. If we bat well in the second innings, we can win the first Test against Australia," Harbhajan told ANI.
Bumrah led the Indian pace attack brilliantly, supported by the experienced Mohammed Siraj and debutant Harshit Rana. The trio effectively utilized the surface's bounce and movement to trouble the Australian batting lineup.
The stand-in captain claimed his 11th five-wicket haul in Tests, while Siraj and Rana contributed with two and three wickets, respectively.
Harbhajan Singh praised the outstanding performance of the pacers and expressed optimism about India’s chances of making it to the World Test Championship final, provided they secure a win in Perth.
"If India win the first Test match, then the hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final will be high. Bumrah and other bowlers have bowled very well," he concluded.
Coming back to the match, while writing this copy Indian openers are dominating Australia as Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed the first century of ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and KL Rahul is playing on 42 runs. India is leading by 150 runs.
