India seized control on Day 2 of the Perth Test, courtesy of stellar performances by KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The pair’s composed half-centuries built on Jasprit Bumrah’s incisive bowling, giving India a commanding lead of 218 runs by the close of play.
Bumrah’s Early Strikes Set the Stage at Perth Test
The day began with Jasprit Bumrah dismantling Australia’s hopes of a fightback. On just the second over of the day, Bumrah removed Alex Carey, who nicked a sharp delivery to Rishabh Pant. Harshit Rana, bowling from the other end, kept the pressure on with short-pitched deliveries that unsettled the Australian lower order.
Nathan Lyon succumbed to one such bouncer, gloving it to KL Rahul at third slip. Although Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood forged a stubborn 25-run partnership—the highest of Australia’s innings—it was Rana who wrapped things up by dismissing Starc for 26, ending the Australian innings at a paltry 104. India walked away with a crucial 46-run first-innings lead.
Rahul and Jaiswal: Steady, Then Dominant
India’s openers, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, capitalized on the relatively easier batting conditions in their second innings. The Australian pacers found less movement, and Rahul and Jaiswal batted with patience and purpose to stretch India’s advantage.
Rahul played a measured innings, relying on soft hands and precise shot selection. Meanwhile, Jaiswal balanced caution with aggression, pulling and cutting with aplomb. His audacious uppercut off Pat Cummins and a towering six off Nathan Lyon showcased his ability to dominate even seasoned bowlers. Jaiswal’s six off Lyon also earned him the record for the most sixes in Tests in a calendar year, cementing his reputation as one of cricket’s rising stars.
By stumps, the pair had not only nullified Australia’s lead but also extended India’s advantage to an imposing 218 runs.
Australia’s Frustration Mounts at Perth Test
The hosts endured a frustrating day in the field, with missed opportunities compounding their struggles. Starc almost had Jaiswal caught at slip, but the ball fell just short of Usman Khawaja. Later, Rahul narrowly avoided a run-out after a mix-up, with Steve Smith failing to hit the stumps. These missed chances encapsulated Australia’s struggles as India’s openers remained unbroken.
Rahul reached his fifty off 124 balls, while Jaiswal got there in 120. Their unbeaten 172-run partnership was not only a display of skill but also a testament to their resilience and ability to dictate terms in challenging conditions.
India in the Driver’s Seat
India’s dominant display has put them firmly on top in the Test. With the pitch beginning to show signs of uneven bounce, the visitors are well-positioned to build an unassailable lead on Day 3. Australia, on the other hand, will need a monumental effort to claw their way back into the contest.
Brief Scores
- India: 150 & 172/0 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 90*, KL Rahul 62*)
- Australia: 104 (Mitchell Starc 26; Jasprit Bumrah 5-30, Harshit Rana 3-48)
- Lead: India by 218 runs
India’s clinical execution in both bowling and batting has set the stage for what could be a match-winning advantage in Perth. The focus now shifts to how they capitalize on this commanding position.
