India crush Australia by 295 runs in Perth Test

India secured a remarkable 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test in Perth. They bowled Australia out for 238 in the final session of day four, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

It means India have now won five and lost only two of their past nine Tests in Australia dating back to their 2018-19 tour. West Indies are the only other team to have won a Test in Australia in that time.

Australia resumed day 4 at 12-3 after a devastating spell with the new ball from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj late on day three. It quickly became 17-4 when Siraj had Usman Khawaja caught behind off a top-edged pull. Steve Smith was then brilliantly set up by Siraj, getting caught behind for 17 off a delivery that straightened.

Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47) counter-attacked but both fell in quick succession in the afternoon session to Bumrah and Nitish Kumar Reddy respectively. Off-spinner Washington Sundar had Mitchell Starc caught at short leg and bowled Nathan Lyon, before a superb Nitish Rana slower ball deceived Alex Carey to seal the comprehensive win.

India must win three of the next four Tests to guarantee their place in a third successive World Test Championship final. The second Test in Adelaide starts on 6 December.