Kohli and Jaiswal shine as Australia collapse in record chase

India ended day three of the first Test in Perth firmly in control, with Australia struggling at 12-3 in pursuit of a mammoth 534-run target.

After a masterful century from Virat Kohli and a sublime 161 by Yashasvi Jaiswal, India declared late in the evening on 487-6, leaving the hosts in tatters by stumps.

Jasprit Bumrah struck twice in a fiery opening spell, dismissing Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne for ducks, while Mohammed Siraj removed Australian captain Pat Cummins for 2. The collapse leaves Australia staring at a near-certain defeat in the series opener.

Kohli's unbeaten 100 off 143 balls marked his 30th Test century and his first since july 2023 in the West Indies. The milestone innings came after a lean patch, highlighted by a dismal series against New Zealand where he scored only 35 runs in three matches. He had also fallen for 5 on the first day of this Test but bounced back emphatically in the second innings.

India began the day at 172-0, with Jaiswal and KL Rahul (77) continuing their opening partnership to reach 201. Jaiswal, showcasing his consistency in converting starts, registered his fourth Test hundred, all of which have been scores of over 150.

Jaiswal eventually fell for 161, slapping a short ball from Mitchell Marsh to Steve Smith at point. His dismissal sparked a brief wobble as India lost three wickets for eight runs, including Rishabh Pant (1), who was stumped attempting an aggressive charge against Nathan Lyon. Dhruv Jurel also managed just a single before being caught.

Kohli steadied the innings with two key partnerships. He added 89 with Washington Sundar (29) in a measured stand before accelerating alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy (38 not out off 27 balls). The latter played a vital role in a quick-fire 77-run partnership from just 54 deliveries.

India declared immediately after Kohli reached his century with a boundary, leaving Australia a daunting target in the final session under the lights.

Australia's response started disastrously, as Bumrah trapped McSweeney lbw for a golden duck in the very first over. Cummins followed shortly after, edging a delivery from Siraj to Kohli at slip for 2. Labuschagne became Bumrah's second victim, falling lbw for 0 as Australia limped to 12-3 in 4.2 overs.

With the top order back in the pavilion and the target seemingly out of reach, Australia's hopes of a miracle look slim heading into day four.

The match has seen fluctuating fortunes, with 17 wickets falling on the opening day. India were bowled out for 150, but their bowlers hit back to reduce Australia to 67-7 before wrapping up the first innings for 104. From there, India seized control through their batters, despite a brief middle-order wobble.

Kohli's innings featured a memorable six off Mitchell Starc that struck a security guard on the head, prompting immediate concern from the batter. His only scare came on 47 when Lyon turned a delivery sharply, but the ball bounced over the stumps.

The five-match series will move to Adelaide for the second Test, a day-night encounter starting 6 december. The teams will then play in Brisbane (14 december), Melbourne (26 december), and Sydney (3 january).

Australia have not won a Test series against India since 2014-15, with the visitors triumphing 2-1 in each of their past four contests. Another defeat here would further extend India's dominance in this modern rivalry.