The Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia, is renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure, scenic appeal, and, most importantly, the challenging cricketing conditions it offers. With its fast and bouncy pitches, the stadium has become a modern-day fortress for the Australian cricket team and a stern test for visiting sides.
For India, the Optus Stadium represents a unique battleground, where the team’s adaptability and resilience are put to the ultimate test.
India’s encounters with Australia at Perth Stadium have delivered thrilling contests marked by fiery pace bowling, dramatic turnarounds, and moments of individual brilliance.
Despite the stadium being one of the newer additions to Australia's cricketing venues, having opened in January 2018, it has quickly established a reputation as a venue that demands the best from batters and bowlers alike.
India's Key Records at Perth Stadium
India has played four Test matches at the iconic WACA Ground in Perth, managing only one victory during their 2008 tour. This historic win was largely thanks to Irfan Pathan, whose outstanding all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award. Pathan contributed significantly with both bat and ball, taking five wickets and scoring 74 runs across two innings.
India’s Test Matches at WACA, Perth
- 1977: Australia defeated India by 2 wickets.
- 1992: Australia triumphed with a massive margin of 300 runs.
- 2008: India clinched a memorable 72-run victory.
- 2012: Australia won by an innings and 37 runs.
In recent years, Cricket Australia has shifted its Perth-based matches from the WACA to the modern Optus Stadium. India played their only Test match at the new venue during their 2018 tour. Despite a sensational century by Virat Kohli, the Tim Paine-led Australian side secured a convincing 146-run victory.
India vs Australia at Optus Stadium, 2018
- Result: Australia won by 146 runs.
Notable Individual Performances at Perth
Most Runs by an Indian Batter
Virat Kohli leads the charts for India at Perth, scoring 259 runs in two Tests—one each at the WACA and Optus Stadium. Close behind is Sachin Tendulkar, who accumulated 226 runs across three Tests at the WACA, including a remarkable century.
Highest Individual Score by an Indian Batter
The legendary Sunil Gavaskar holds the record for the highest individual score by an Indian in Perth, with a gritty 127-run knock during the 1977 Test. Unfortunately, his valiant effort couldn’t prevent a narrow two-wicket loss for India.
Kohli's 123-run innings at Optus Stadium in 2018 is the second-highest score by an Indian in Perth, though it too came in a losing cause.
Most Wickets by an Indian Bowler
Bishan Singh Bedi remains the only Indian bowler to take a 10-wicket haul in a Test at Perth. His remarkable performance came during the 1977 match, where he claimed 10 scalps in the game, making him India’s leading wicket-taker at the venue despite playing just one Test there.
Best Bowling Figures in an Innings
In the 2018 Test at Optus Stadium, Mohammed Shami recorded the best bowling figures for an Indian in Perth, taking 6 for 56 in the second innings. Despite his exceptional effort, India couldn’t capitalise and fell short of a win.
In conclusion, India’s record at Optus Stadium showcases the team’s resilience and adaptability in one of cricket’s most challenging environments. While the venue has posed significant hurdles, it has also witnessed moments of brilliance from Indian cricketers.
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