Australia win first Test match since ball-tampering scandal in March to level series against India

Australia rattled through the India tail to level the series at 1-1 and secure their first win since former captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were banned

Tuesday 18 December 2018 04:02 EST
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Australia celebrate their first Test win since March after defeating India
Australia celebrate their first Test win since March after defeating India (EPA)

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Australia have won their first Test match since the ball-tampering controversy as their attack blew apart the India tail for a 146-run victory.

The hosts only needed 15 overs to take the remaining five wickets in Perth and level the series at 1-1.

After starting the fifth day on 112 for five, India lost the key wicket of Hanuma Vihari for 28 when he holed out off Mitchell Starc.

From then on, it was just a matter of time before Australia sealed the win.

Rishabh Pant, who raced to 30 runs from 61 balls, was well caught by Peter Handscomb off Nathan Lyon and an over later Umesh Yadav popped a shot back to Starc for two.

Pat Cummins wrapped up the last two wickets in the space of four balls, Ishant Sharma edging behind for a duck and Jasprit Bumrah launching a shot high into the Western Australian sky with Cummins positioning himself to take the catch.

The win is the first for Tim Paine as captain and Australia’s first in seven Tests, after former captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were banned for their part in a ball-tempering plot during a Test in Cape Town in March.

Mitchell Starc (R) celebrates with teammates the dismissal of India's batsman Hanuma Vihari
Mitchell Starc (R) celebrates with teammates the dismissal of India's batsman Hanuma Vihari (AFP/Getty Images)

The next Test between India and Australia starts in Melbourne on Boxing Day.

PA

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