India’s Test Record at the WACA and Perth Stadium: A Tale of Challenges and Triumphs
India’s Test Performances at the WACA and Perth Stadium
The WACA Ground in Perth, Australia, is renowned for its fast and bouncy pitches, posing a formidable challenge for visiting batsmen. Indian batsmen, accustomed to slower and lower pitches at home, have faced significant hurdles at the WACA.
India’s first Test at the WACA in 1977 ended in a narrow two-wicket defeat. Despite Chetan Chauhan’s 88 and Mohinder Amarnath’s 90 in the first innings, Australia’s Tony Mann and Peter Toohey guided their team to victory.
In 1992, a young Sachin Tendulkar etched his name in history with a magnificent century at the WACA. Facing a formidable Australian bowling attack, Tendulkar’s innings showcased his exceptional talent and resilience. However, India lost the match by 300 runs.
India’s first Test victory at the WACA came in 2008. Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar laid the foundation with solid knocks, while Ishant Sharma and RP Singh bowled superbly to restrict Australia. VVS Laxman’s 79 in the second innings set up a challenging target, which Australia failed to chase down.
In 2012, India suffered a heavy defeat by an innings and 37 runs at the WACA. Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle wreaked havoc with the ball, dismissing India twice for under 200 runs.
In 2018, the first Test at the new Perth Stadium resulted in a 146-run defeat for India. Despite Virat Kohli’s century, Australia’s Nathan Lyon and Mohammed Shami’s six-wicket haul proved too much for the visitors.