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With the Indian squad set to play against Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, it will be interesting to go back to see the winning record of the Indian team. The first Test, which will be played at the Optus Stadium, is known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and scenic view. However, the pitch is quite challenging for Test games. For India, the Optus Stadium symbolizes a one-of-a-kind battleground where the team's adaptation and resilience will be tested to the limit.
Despite being one of Australia's newest cricket venues, having debuted in January 2018, the stadium has rapidly earned a reputation for demanding the best from both batsmen and bowlers. Since Rohit Sharma (captain) will be missing the first Test match, it will be headed by Jasprit Bumrah and will include a few players making their maiden trip down under. India has played five Test matches in Perth's two stadiums, Western Australia Cricket Association Ground (WACA) and Optus Stadium. The two teams have only competed in the latter once.
Pacy and bouncy pitch of Perth stadium
Since India and Australia played just one Test in the past at Optus Stadium, Perth, batters need to be accustomed to the bouncy and pacy pitch of the stadium. India has played four Tests at Perth's legendary WACA Ground, winning only one during their 2008 tour. This historic victory was partly due to Irfan Pathan's all-around effort, which earned him Player of the Match honours. Pathan made major contributions with both bat and ball, capturing five wickets and scoring 74 runs over two innings.
In recent times, cricket Australia has switched its base in Perth from the WACA to Optus Stadium in recent years, with India playing their only match there during the 2018 visit. Tim Paine and his team won despite Virat Kohli's stunning century.
India's Test record 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.
India's record at Optus Stadium, Perth
2018: Australia won by 146 runs.
Virat Kohli- Highest scorer at Perth
Virat Kohli is the leading run-scorer at Perth. He scored 259 runs in two Tests at the WACA and Optus Stadium. He is quite close to Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 226 runs in three Tests at the WACA, including a spectacular century. His 123-run is the highest at the Optus Stadium in 2018.
Highest Indian individual scorer and wicket-taker Indians
Legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar holds the record for the highest individual score in Perth, with 127 runs during the 1977 Test match. Meanwhile, Bishan Singh Bedi is the only Indian bowler to take ten wickets in a Test in Perth. His standout effort came in the 1977 match, when he took 10 wickets, making him India's top wicket-taker at the stadium despite only playing one Test there.
