Starc-Hazlewood remove Jaiswal-Padikkal, complete 400 wickets as Aussie new-ball pair
The pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood scripted history by becoming.
The first Australian new-ball attack to claim 400 Test wickets during Day 1 of the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against India at Perth Stadium on Friday. The dynamic duo delivered early blows to India’s top order, with Starc dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck in the third over. Hazlewood followed up shortly after, removing debutant Devdutt Padikkal for a 23-ball nought. Their exploits left India reeling at the start of the high-stakes encounter.
Starc, who debuted in 2011, now boasts an impressive 358 Test wickets at an average of 27.74. He ranks as Australia’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests and is second only to Glenn McGrath among pacers. Hazlewood, who began his Test journey in 2014, has amassed 273 wickets in 70 matches at an average of 24.82. Together, the pair have featured in 54 Tests, forming a formidable trio with skipper Pat Cummins. The triumvirate was instrumental in Australia’s victory over India in the 2023 World Test Championship final, showcasing their ability to dominate high-pressure scenarios.
AUS vs IND 1st Test, Day 1
India, batting first after stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah won the toss, found themselves in trouble against Australia’s relentless pace attack. Jaiswal’s dismissal off an inswinging delivery from Starc set the tone, while Hazlewood’s probing line accounted for Padikkal. KL Rahul has been the steadying force for India after early setbacks in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at Perth Stadium. Rahul witnessed both Yashasvi Jaiswal and debutant Devdutt Padikkal fall for ducks to the fiery pace of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Starc struck first, dismissing Jaiswal with the first ball of his second over. Padikkal, filling in for the injured Shubman Gill at No. 3, battled for 23 deliveries but eventually fell to Starc without scoring. Rahul, who opened the innings alongside Jaiswal, was later joined by Virat Kohli as India looked to rebuild amid relentless pressure from Starc, Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins.
Earlier in the day, India’s stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah won the toss and opted to bat first. In a surprising team selection, the visitors left out experienced spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, opting instead for Washington Sundar as the lone spinner. Debut caps were handed to pacer Harshit Rana and fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.