New Delhi: India and Australia are set to play in Perth for the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A first glance at the pitch will make any naked eye fail to difference between the pitch and the outfield. Yes! That’s how green it is.
The first look at the pitch at the Optus Stadium in Perth is here and it does not seem promising for the batters. According to reports from the photographs by the various reporters in Perth, the pitch is covered completely in green grass. Furthermore, the grass is being watered to make sure it doesn’t dry out quickly.
Naturally, it can be expected that the seamers can expect movement off the seam. Added to that is the ferocious pace and bounce of Perth which will be like a piece of loud music to the ears of the batsman. To be honest, this was not entirely unexpected, primarily for two reasons.
This is the first time in close to 80 years that India is starting off their Australia tour with a Test match in Perth, a place historically known for its spicy pitches. Although the old WACA stadium deserves credit for that, the newly built Optus Stadium, which did not host a single Test during India’s last visit, is not doing that reputation any harm.
Secondly, since the Border Gavaskar Trophy defeat against India at home three years ago the Australians have changed their tactics to make drop-in pitches, making it heavily conducive for fast bowling.
For these strategies, the Aussies have made the pitches heavily packed with a coating of grass.
Australia’s record in Perth Stadium
The Australian team has a perfect record at the Perth stadium with the Aussies having won the last four matches against opposition:
| Team 1 | Team 2 | Winner | Margin | Ground | Match Date |
| Australia | Pakistan | Australia | 360 runs | Perth | Dec 14-17, 2023 |
| Australia | West Indies | Australia | 164 runs | Perth | Nov 30-Dec 4, 2022 |
| Australia | New Zealand | Australia | 296 runs | Perth | Dec 12-15, 2019 |
| Australia | India | Australia | 146 runs | Perth | Dec 14-18, 2018 |