After weeks of feverish build-up, Perth’s West Test blockbuster against India delivered an opening day to remember, fans setting a new Perth record in their desperation to be a part of the mouth-watering action.

As 31,302 vocal fans, a single-day Perth Test record, packed into the world-renowned Stadium, Australia’s bowlers ripped India’s batters apart in their West Test fortress.

Virat Kohli was among the early victims, breaking the hearts of Indian fans everywhere, but the Australian punters, including those dressed as Perth celebrity Tony Galati, were whipped into a frenzy.

Test debutant Nathan McSweeney and star Marnus Labuschagne put their early claim in for catch of the summer with a stunning combined one-handed effort in the slip cordon.

It was the opposite story as India started their first bowling innings, having been bowled out for 150, with Kohli blowing a golden chance to remove Labushagne second ball with a simple dropped catch.

However, as good as Australia’s big three of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were, stand-in Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah was just as divine.

He reduced Australia’s top order to tatters, ending McSweeney’s debut knock for 10 before removing star Australian veterans Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith in successive steaming deliveries.

Even the weather gods turned it on for the blockbuster Border-Gavaskar series opener on the banks of the Swan, golden sunshine bathing a lush outfield and relaxed wind cooling the grandstands.

Colourful outfits, a saxophonist and young fans were the order of the day from ball one.

The Indian cricket fanatics were whipped into a frenzy early on Friday morning as Kohli made his way to the crease.

A classic straight drive drew the joyful drummers to their feet, but when their hero fell for five, some of the air left the arena.

But not for long, with one Indian fan saying their excitement about seeing the team transcended the tourists’ dour start on a sporting wicket.

“It was a good welcome, but (his wicket) is part of the game,” Jasprit told The West Australian.

“India have lost wickets, but I’m still enjoying the cricket.

“(Having India here) is a very emotional experience for us. We’ve grown up with cricket and Virat Kohli and Tendulkar, so it’s very emotional for us.

“And our kids are playing and watching, so they (influence) generations going forward.”

A bumper crowd of around 30,000 was expected for the opening day of the five-day clash, with some fans, such as Manjul Sharma, travelling around the world with the Indian team.

Sharma even arranged for his saxophone to be allowed inside the stadium.

“Cricket Australia have given me special permission,” the Adelaide local said.

Lucas Woods, 11, told his school he was ill so he could score a seat with his nana, pop and dad on Friday.

“I’m excited to watch the Aussies make runs and get wickets,” he said.

When asked who was the best cricketer in his family the 11-year-old insisted it was him.

“I hope to play for the Aussies one day,” he said.

Another Indian fan — who is based in Perth — was proudly waving a poster to Australian fans hailing Virat Kohli as the “King”.

“O’ King rise once again show them your brilliance,” it read.

Several people were seen carrying a copy of Friday’s The West Australian into the game, including reader Paul Monoghan, after the back page featured the face of Indian cricket star Virat Kohli embedded in a danger sign.

Outside the stadium, around 9.30am, a DJ based in the West Test summer fest zone graced fans with a mixture of Indian and Aussie bangers.

Stilt walkers in cricket gear were attempting to hit sixes, and food trucks were slinging meals to keep crowds energised before the historic rivalry began its latest chapter at 10.20am.

The Baraht Army fans loudly marched around the stadium beating drums as they chanted their Indian proudly.

One of those fans, with his face painted in Indian flag colours, was blowing into a conch shell — sounding his allegiance to all who would listen.

In true-blue Aussie form, a large group — over 20 people in size — all dressed up as Spudshed boss Tony Galati.

The swarm of Galatis were seen carefully escorting one of their friends, who was dressed in a potato outfit, into the stadium on Friday.

Others dressed as Bisons in a standout nod to West Australian cricketer Mitchell Marsh’s nickname.

Dave Godika, 9, was testing his cricket skills outside the stadium on Friday, and despite only starting his first proper season this year, the young athlete didn’t miss a ball.

“This is my first season with a proper club, but I played before,” he said. “I’m really excited to see the Indian Cricket team.”

Hendrix Wilton, 6, put his athleticism to the test by diving for giant cricket balls in a bouncy castle — one of Friday’s most popular attractions.

Ashleigh Jeffrey and Grace Everitt stood out from the crowd in Christmas outfits as they attended a festive work function at the cricket.

Ms Everitt claimed she was such a fan of the sport that she hadn’t missed an Australian test in Perth.

Tradie Jack Byrne was one of many fans eager to show off his wicketkeeping skills in front of cameras on Friday.

Mr Byre ensured that he dressed for the occasion by attending Optus in full cricket kit.

Traditional Bollywood dancers performed in the summer fest zone in the morning before former Voice Australia contestant Janaki Easwar took to the stage, just outside the Camfield.

Inside the ground as action raged, Narrelle Smith said she was pleasantly surprised by the experience of watching her first Test match, even after partner Russell Mew’s son convinced them to dress as bananas.

“We’re dressing up because we were forced to by his son who’s run off and left us,” Ms Smith laughed.

“He thought I’d be bored, but I’m actually enjoying it.”

The players also fed off the electric atmosphere, star Australian spinner Nathan Lyon helping the crowd retrieve their inflatable beach balls.