India’s upcoming series against Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) promises to be one of the most fiercely contested encounters in recent years. As both teams vie for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the stakes are higher than ever. The first Test in Perth is set to test the resilience and skill of the Indian players as they face off against an Australian side eager for revenge after two successive home series losses against India.
Playing Australia on their home turf is never easy, and the Indians must be prepared for the unique challenges posed by the Perth Stadium—a venue known for its pace, bounce, and unpredictability. Some Australian players, with their experience and skill at this particular ground, could pose serious threats to India’s hopes of getting a good start in the series. Here, we look at the top four Australian players India should be especially cautious about during the first Test at Perth.
Marnus Labuschagne has become an integral part of the Australian batting lineup with his grit, patience, and the ability to play long innings. His consistency in the middle order has made him one of Australia’s most reliable batters, and he has a special knack for thriving at the Perth Stadium.
Labuschagne's numbers at this venue are staggering. In three Tests played at Perth, he has scored a total of 519 runs in just six innings, with an incredible average of 103.80. His affinity for big scores at Perth is evident from his three centuries and one half-century, highlighting his comfort and dominance over the conditions.
India’s bowlers will need to find a way to break Labuschagne’s rhythm early on. With his strong record at Perth, Labuschagne could prove to be a significant obstacle in India’s pursuit of an early series lead.
Steve Smith is widely regarded as one of the greatest Test batsmen of this generation. His unorthodox style and unparalleled concentration make him particularly dangerous in high-stakes games, and his track record at the Perth Stadium further underscores his importance to the Australian lineup.
At Perth, Smith has accumulated 355 runs across six innings, averaging an impressive 88.75. His highest score of 200* at this venue is a testament to his ability to dominate bowling attacks, even on challenging surfaces.
To contain Smith, India will need to be proactive and persistent. Building pressure and denying him scoring opportunities will be essential to stretch his recent lean patch. However, if he gets into his rhythm, Smith has the ability to change the course of the game single-handedly.
The Perth Stadium’s fast and bouncy surface is tailor-made for Mitchell Starc’s bowling style. Starc’s left-arm pace, combined with his ability to swing the ball both ways, makes him a nightmare for visiting teams. With the curator already suggesting a lively pitch, Starc is likely to be Australia’s primary weapon against India’s top order.
Starc’s stats at Perth underline his dominance at this ground. He has taken 23 wickets in just four Test matches here, boasting an average of 19 and a strike rate of 39.65.
The Indian batters, particularly the left-handers, will need to be wary of Starc’s ability to swing the new ball into the stumps. Footwork and discipline will be key to handling his early spells, and any lapse in concentration could lead to early wickets, putting India on the back foot.
While fast bowlers typically dominate the headlines at Perth, Nathan Lyon’s record at this ground is a reminder of his effectiveness as an off-spinner even on pace-friendly tracks. Lyon’s ability to extract bounce from the pitch allows him to exploit any cracks or wear in the surface, especially in the latter stages of the game.
In his four Test matches at Perth, Lyon has taken 27 wickets at an average of 18, with a strike rate of 41.67. His old-school off-spin, combined with the bounce offered by Perth’s surface, allows him to challenge both edges of the bat, putting batters under constant pressure.
Lyon’s success at Perth is likely due to his consistency and experience. His overspin and variations make him a potent weapon, particularly as the pitch deteriorates. Indian batters will need to approach Lyon with caution, as his ability to exploit bounce could spell trouble, especially in the final innings.
Give Your Feedback