Security measures at Optus Stadium in Perth are being strengthened following an incident in which Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram was harassed by a fan during the first Test between India and Australia. Akram, who is in Australia as a commentator for Star Sports, was abused by a fan shortly after signing an autograph. While the motive remains unclear, officials confirmed that the harassment was not racially motivated. In response, Cricket Australia has promised to tighten security, including offering commentators the option to be picked up directly from inside the stadium for safety.
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On the field, India has seized control of the match. After a disappointing first innings total of 150, India made a remarkable comeback, dismissing Australia for just 104 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was the star with a five-wicket haul. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal then dominated the second innings with a 201-run opening partnership, with Jaiswal scoring a sensational 161, his first Test century in Australia. India currently leads by 370 runs, with five wickets remaining, and looks set to set a challenging target of over 450 runs for Australia in the fourth innings.
The match is crucial for India’s World Test Championship hopes, as they need a 4-0 series sweep to qualify for the final. India declared their second innings at 487-6, with Virat Kohli scoring a brilliant century. Australia now faces a daunting 534-run target and must survive until stumps to avoid further damage.
