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

Former India captain Virat Kohli’s poor run continued and his return to his favorite hunting ground, Australia, could not 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).

Virat Kohli has been turning heads ever since he landed in Perth. A group of Australian media outlets puts it on the front page from 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 have warned Australian players against provoking Kohli and warned them to stay away from his confrontational side.

AUS vs IND 1st Test, Day 1 Live

But things quickly unraveled when Kohli fell victim to Josh Hazlewood’s extra bounce in the morning session at the Optus Stadium. Kohli did not look very comfortable during his 12-ball stay on the sidelines. Having managed just five runs, he succumbed to Hazlewood’s clever delivery in the 13th over.

Kohli took the bold decision to bat well outside the crease in a bid to negate the action taken by the Australian bowlers. His intention was to play on the front foot but the extra bounce offered at Optus Stadium proved his undoing.

Noticing Kohli’s position outside off stump, Hazlewood bowled a short ball. Kohli found himself in no man’s land as he climbed onto the ball, caught the edge and was comfortably cut by Usman Khawaja.

Noted cricket analyst Ben Jones has pointed out the risks of the approach Kohli has employed several times throughout his career.

“Virat Kohli’s average tackle point in this innings was the furthest he’s ever been in his Test career. That’s what he always does when under pressure – fire with fire. Still, it’s a pretty tough thing to try and do given his form,” Jones remarked. In a post on X.

Despite averaging over 50 in Australia with six centuries, Kohli could be in for a tough series given his recent form. At the start of the year, he managed just 93 runs in India’s shocking 0-3 home draw against New Zealand and struggled to deal with spin during that period.

India found themselves in trouble in the 17th over at 32 for 3. Winning the toss and electing to bat, India’s top order collapsed against the quality of the Australian pacers. Yashasvi Jaiswal departed for a duck in the third over and attempted a wide drive, while Devdutt Padikkal showed little intent during his stay in 23 balls and was subsequently dismissed for 0.

But KL Rahul showed resilience by combining caution with the ability to punish loose deliveries and ensure India avoided a complete collapse in the first session.