AUS vs IND: What happened last time when India played a Test Match at Perth's Optus stadium?

The most-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 will finally start on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. In just a few hours from now, the epic rivalry between Australia and India will take place after two years. From the last four outings, the results have been in India's favour. However, the last time both these teams met in Perth, India were slammed terribly by the hosts.

Undoubtedly, it was an unforgettable match for India due to various reasons, the first being Virat Kohli's outstanding knock of 123 runs in 257 runs. The then-captain stood on the pitch like a wall and didn't allow the Australian bowlers to attack him. The game started on December 14 to 18, with Australia winning it by a huge margin of 146 runs.

Australia have a pretty solid record in Perth, winning four out of four games. In 2018, they won the 2nd Test match in the stadium and levelled the series with India, 1-1. Perth's pitch was very dangerous, and Kohli's innings stood out as one of the best knocks in the history of the game. The game started with Australia winning the toss and choosing to bat first.

India were victorious in the previous game, so their confidence level was at its peak. However, the tables turned too quickly in Australia's favour as openers Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch batted for 35 overs, putting up a partnership of 112 runs. Soon after their dismissal, the bowlers got some quick breakthroughs until Shaun Marsh and Travis Head made a partnership of around 90 runs. Australia made 326 runs in the first innings. 

India's Magical Comeback ft. Virat Kohli's century

When team India came to bat, the top-order tumbled down, losing three quick wickets in just 82 runs. The pressure was on captain Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, who batted beautifully, putting up a partnership of 91 runs. After Rahane, Pujara and Rishabh Pant accompanied Kohli and India scored 283 runs.

Nathon Lyonwas the standout bowler, claiming a fifer. In the next innings, Australia again scored 243 runs, setting a target of 285 runs for the visitors. Mohammed Shami claimed six wickets but wasn't very effective against the batters. But, when India came in to bat in the last innings, they could only manage to score 140 runs.

The humiliating performance of the batters, after having a successful outing in the first game, was unforgettable. Even though Kohli scored a magnificent 123 runs, Australia's win will always overshadow his innings. With that, the series was levelled, 1-1. Nevertheless, India went on to win the series, 2-1.