Akram harassed by fan during Perth Test

He faced abuse from a fan shortly after signing an autograph

Security measures at the Optus Stadium in Perth are set to be bolstered after Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram was harassed by a fan during the first Test between India and Australia. Akram, currently in Australia as a commentator for Star Sports, faced abuse from a fan shortly after signing an autograph, as reported by Daily Mail.

While the motive behind the harassment remains unclear, officials have confirmed that the abuse was not racially motivated. In response, Cricket Australia has pledged to prevent similar incidents by tightening security arrangements. Commentators will now have the option to be picked up by vehicles directly from inside the stadium to ensure their safety. Meanwhile, on the field, India has taken firm control of the match. Despite being bundled out for 150 in their first innings, the visitors staged a remarkable comeback by skittling Australia for a mere 104 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was the star of the show, claiming a stunning five-wicket haul.

Taking advantage of improved batting conditions, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal put up a dominant 201-run opening partnership. Rahul narrowly missed a century, departing for 77, but Jaiswal stole the spotlight with a sensational 161, marking his maiden Test hundred in Australian conditions. India currently leads by 370 runs with five wickets in hand, looking poised to set a daunting 450-plus target for Australia in the fourth innings. This Test is critical for India's hopes of securing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, requiring a 4-0 series sweep in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to qualify.

The visitors declared their second innings on 487-6 in the final session of day three after Kohli rolled back the years to reach 100.

Faced with an ominous 534 to win, Australia needed to survive 30 minutes before stumps.