On Day 2 of the Perth Test, the Indian team’s fortunes took a dramatic turn as the opening duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul staged a remarkable comeback in their second innings. India was determined to capitalize on their first-innings lead, and the openers responded with maturity and aggressive stroke play.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul take charge
Jaiswal, who had been dismissed for a duck in the first innings, came back strong with an impressive 68* off 105 balls. His performance was particularly heartening, as he found his rhythm and played a series of elegant strokes, including boundaries that flowed off his bat with increasing confidence.
Rahul, playing the role of the anchor, displayed a calm and composed approach at the other end. He provided the perfect foil to Jaiswal’s aggression, accumulating 50* off 98 balls. Together, the pair constructed an unbeaten 100-run partnership that not only resurrected India’s fortunes but also placed the team in a dominant position.
This partnership was significant on multiple levels, as it marked the first hundred-run opening stand for India in Australia since January 2004, when Aakash Chopra and Virender Sehwag had put on 123 runs at the SCG. It was also the sixth instance of Indian openers achieving such a partnership on Australian soil, a record that adds to India’s growing legacy in overseas Test cricket.
Historic achievement in Australia
Rahul and Jaiswal’s partnership in Perth in 2024 has earned them a spot in the elite list of Indian opening batters who have both scored 50+ runs in a Test match in Australia. Their partnership was instrumental in laying a solid foundation for India in the second innings, helping extend their lead over Australia.
This achievement is notable for multiple reasons:
- It marks the first time since 2004 that both Indian openers have crossed the 50-run mark in Australia.
- Their performance helped India recover from a tough position and strengthened their chances of securing a strong result in the Test.
Jaiswal, in his debut series in Australia, displayed impressive composure, bouncing back from a first-innings duck to score a fluent half-century. Rahul, with his calm and measured approach, complemented Jaiswal perfectly, playing the role of an anchor as Jaiswal’s aggressive strokes set the tone. This partnership now joins an elite list, reflecting their growing stature in Indian cricket. By adding their names to this prestigious list, Jaiswal and Rahul have made a significant mark on India’s Test history in Australia.
Elite List of Indian Openers Scoring 50+ in Australia
- Sunil Gavaskar (70) & Chetan Chauhan (85) – Melbourne 1981
- Sunil Gavaskar (166) & Kris Srikkanth (51)* – Adelaide 1985
- Sunil Gavaskar (172) & Kris Srikkanth (116) – Sydney 1986
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (68) & KL Rahul (50)** – Perth 2024
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India’s remarkable turnaround in Perth: From collapse to confidence
The first day of the opening Test in Perth began disastrously for India as they were bowled out for a mere 150 runs. Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah made the bold decision to bat first on a green-top pitch, but it backfired as India’s top order collapsed against Australia’s relentless pace attack. The early wickets set the tone for a difficult innings. At one stage, India looked set for a very low total, but lower-order resistance from Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37) helped India scrape their way to a modest score.
Despite the top-order failure, India’s bowlers fought back strongly, with Bumrah leading from the front. His fierce determination helped him claim five wickets for 30 runs in Australia’s innings. Bumrah’s performance was crucial as he dismantled the Australian batting line-up, and his five-wicket haul ensured Australia was bundled out for just 104 runs. This marked Australia’s lowest total against India on home soil since 1981, giving India a crucial 46-run first-innings lead, which was pivotal in changing the momentum of the match.
Jasprit Bumrah’s inspiring five-wicket haul
Bumrah’s brilliant bowling in the second innings of Australia was nothing short of exceptional. His five-wicket haul was a testament to his class and resilience, as he exploited the conditions perfectly. India’s bowlers, with Bumrah leading the way, made full use of the conditions, which saw Australia struggle against disciplined fast bowling. The result was a significant first-innings lead for India, which not only put them in a commanding position but also set the stage for a dramatic recovery after their initial batting collapse.