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KL Rahul-Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s first opening pair since 2004 to stitch a 100-run stand in Australia.

KL Rahul-Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s first opening pair since 2004 to stitch a 100-run stand in Australia.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and K.L. Rahul became the first Indian opening pair since 2004 to record a century in Test cricket on Australian soil on the second day of the Perth Test. Rahul-Jaiswal’s superb century partnership in India’s second innings was the first such achievement since Virender Sehwag and Akash Chopra’s 123-run partnership in Sydney during the 2004 series.

Their effort is only the sixth time that Indian openers have announced a partnership of over 100 in Test cricket in Australia. This further cemented India’s dominant position in the match as they ended the day with a lead of over 140 runs after a stellar bowling performance led by Jasprit Bumrah.

Jaiswal, playing in only his second overseas Test, showed remarkable composure as he adapted to his first innings struggles to remain unbeaten on 51 off 88 balls. His batting combined caution with aggression, including Mitchell Starc’s stunning springboard drive and powerful a strike over midwicket that epitomizes the confidence of the young Indian brigade. At one point, his cheeky comment to Stark, “You’re slow,” drew both laughter and admiration.

Perth Test Day 2: Constant Updates

At the other end, Rahul anchored the innings with a controlled 41 not out. His shoot with Pat Cummins was named the shot of the day, highlighting his technical precision and maturity. Rahul’s decision to avoid front leg pressure on the stump, which has bothered him in the past, has allowed him to smoothly balance attack and defense. This partnership still has a chance of surpassing India’s highest ever partnership in Australia – Sunil Gavaskar and Krishnamachari Srikkanth’s 191 runs in Sydney in 1986. If Jaiswal and Rahul continue their form on day three, they could rewrite the record. books.

Complete list of over 100 first wicket stands for India in Australia (Test cricket)

Partners Runs Innings Earth Date
CM. Gavaskar, K. Srikkanth 191 1 Sydney January 02, 1986
CPS Chauhan, S.M. Gavaskar 165 3 Melbourne 07 February 1981
A. Chopra, V. Sehwag 141 1 Melbourne December 26, 2003
M.H. Mankad, Connecticut Sarwate 124 2 Melbourne 01 January 1948
A. Chopra, V. Sehwag 123 1 Sydney January 02, 2004
And Jaiswal, K.L. Rahul 100* 3 Perth November 23, 2024

Earlier in the day, Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah tore apart the Australian batting line-up with his 11th Test five-wicket haul. His spell was complemented by debutant Harshit Rana, who troubled the Australian team with his pace and accuracy. Australia were bowled out for 104, with Mitchell Starc (26 not out) and Josh Hazlewood (7 not out) frustrating the Indian bowlers in a stubborn 25-run stand for the last wicket.

While India secured a 46-run first innings lead, the team will rue the missed opportunity to build a big cushion. India’s lead in the second innings and the strong platform laid by the openers put them in command heading into the third day. The team will be looking to build on the foundation laid by Jaiswal and Rahul, while Australia will rely on their world-class pace attack to achieve success. return to the game.

Published:

Saurabh Kumar

Published:

November 23, 2024