India seized firm control of the opening Test against Australia in Perth, extending their lead to a commanding 218 runs thanks to a magnificent unbeaten 90 by Yashasvi Jaiswal and a stylish 62 from KL Rahul. The duo’s performance on day two was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing exceptional grit and determination against a formidable Australian bowling attack.
Jaiswal, facing 193 balls, and Rahul, defending for 153, guided India to an impressive 172 runs without losing a single wicket at the close of play. This followed Australia’s disastrous first innings, where they were bowled out for a paltry 104 at lunch, a stunning collapse largely orchestrated by Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery 5-30. Bumrah’s exceptional spell further solidified India’s dominance.
The partnership between Jaiswal and Rahul isn’t just impressive; it’s historic. Their 172-run opening stand surpasses several significant milestones:
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A Historic Partnership:
It’s the first 150+ opening stand by a visiting team in Australia since Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook’s 159 at the MCG in 2010, and the first outside Ashes Tests since Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth’s 191 at the SCG in 1986. This remarkable achievement underscores the significance of their performance.*
Surpassing the Pujara-Kohli Legacy:
The last Indian pair to bat through two consecutive sessions in a SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) Test before Jaiswal and Rahul was the formidable duo of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli at the MCG in 2018. This showcases the calibre of the current opening partnership.*
A Rare Feat for Visiting Teams:
Since 2000, very few visiting opening pairs have survived 50+ overs in Australia. Jaiswal and Rahul’s resilience and partnership stand out amongst this elite group, including notable pairs like Sherwin Campbell & Wavell Hinds (Sydney 2001) and Andrew Strauss & Alastair Cook (Brisbane and Melbourne 2010).Beyond their incredible partnership, individual records were also shattered:
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Jaiswal’s Record-Breaking Sixes:
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 34 sixes in Test matches during 2024 surpasses Brendon McCullum’s 33 in 2014, solidifying his place among the greats.*
Rahul’s Consistent Success:
KL Rahul continues to impress, achieving a century-plus opening partnership with three different partners: Yashasvi Jaiswal in Perth, Rohit Sharma at Lord’s in 2021, and Mayank Agarwal in Centurion in 2021. His consistency and adaptability are truly remarkable.*
India’s Dominant Opening Partnerships:
KL Rahul and Virender Sehwag hold the record for the most 100+ opening partnerships in SENA countries since 2000, highlighting the enduring strength of Indian opening batsmen.The match also saw some notable lows:
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Australia’s Lowest First Innings Total:
Australia’s first innings score of 104 is their lowest against India in Tests since 1947. This highlights India’s bowling dominance and Australia’s vulnerability.*
Jaiswal’s Slowest Fifty:
Despite the overall achievement, Jaiswal’s half-century came off 123 balls, his slowest in Test cricket.The combination of exceptional batting and brilliant bowling has firmly placed India in the driver’s seat heading into the next days of this crucial Test match. The clash continues to provide thrilling moments and captivating statistics, setting the stage for a potentially historic series win for India.
