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Indian captain and premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah etched his name alongside legendary South African bowler Dale Steyn by dismissing Steve Smith for a golden duck on Day 1 of the first Test against Australia in Perth. Bumrah’s sensational delivery trapped Smith plumb in front in the 7th over, creating a rare and unique feat.
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Smith’s Rare Golden Duck
Smith, one of the finest Test batters of his era, has fallen for a golden duck only twice in his illustrious career spanning 196 innings. The first instance occurred in 2014, when Steyn sent Smith back for zero in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) during a match where Smith batted lower in the order.
Now, a decade later, Bumrah repeated the feat, pinning Smith with a searing delivery that left the Australian batter with no chance to adjust.
Bumrah’s Standout Spell
Bumrah led India’s bowling attack with grit, taking 3 wickets on a day where the team heavily relied on its bowlers after a batting collapse. His dismissals included opener Nathan McSweeney, a well-set Marnus Labuschagne, and the prized scalp of Steve Smith.
India’s other standout bowler was Harshit Rana, who claimed the wicket of Travis Head with a beautiful delivery that beat the batter’s defense, hitting the off-stump.
Match Overview
- India’s First Innings: The visitors were bundled out for just 150 runs, with debutant Nitish Reddy scoring a valiant 41 runs, the highest in the innings.
- Australia’s Response: Bumrah and Harshit’s efforts ensured a shaky start for the hosts, reducing them to 42/5 by stumps.
With India’s batting faltering, Bumrah’s captaincy and bowling brilliance have given the team a fighting chance on a challenging Perth wicket.
Smith’s Ducks in Test Cricket
Smith now has 11 ducks in Test cricket, with Bumrah joining the elite club of bowlers, including Steyn, who have dismissed the Australian great for a golden duck.
As the Test progresses, the battle between India’s bowlers and Australia’s batters promises more drama and intrigue.
