Perth: Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (batting 90) and KL Rahul (batting 62) put up a stellar show to back up Jasprit Bumrah and his fellow pacers’ outstanding effort as India moved into the driver’s seat in the opening match of the five-Test series against Australia.
After terminating Australia’s first innings at 104 to grab a useful 46-run advantage, India reached 172 for no loss at stumps on the second day at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
Yashasvi was unbeaten on 90 and Rahul was at the crease with 62 to his name after denying the experienced Australian bowling attack any success in two sessions of play.
In a remarkable turn of events, just 3 wickets fell on Saturday after 17 dismissals on a frenetic Friday.
It’s true that the pitch eased out a lot compared to the opening day, offering much less assistance to the quick bowlers. But credit has to be given to the Indian openers for the way they negotiated 57 overs without being separated.
Jaiswal, who failed to open his account in the first innings, not only made amends but also showed that he has the game to flourish in all conditions. Tight in defence, the young left-hander showed a range of shots including a flicked 6 and uppercut 4 off Mitchell Starc, a lofted 6 off Nathan Lyon.
Except for a couple of attempts to flirt outside off stump, Jaiswal showed great discipline and is looking good to reach his fourth Test hundred.
Rahul was up to the task as well, looking determined to occupy the crease after a promising knock was cut short in the first innings by a debatable decision by the third umpire. The right-hander looked compact and stylish in bringing up his 16th Test half-century.
Two of his four boundaries — one a straight drive and another punch through the covers – had the stamp of class Rahul possesses when he bats with an uncluttered mind.
India are 216 runs ahead, and with the openers looking hungry and the likes of Virat Kohli eager to set the record straight after repeated failures in recent Tests, the visitors would look to push the overall lead past 400.
Bumrah set the tone for the day by dismissing Alex Carey with the first ball of the day. Nathan Lyon was undone by the extra bounce generated by debutant Harshit Rana. From 79/9, the last-wicket pair of Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood took the score to 104 with a combination of dogged defence, common sense and some luck as they survived 18 overs.
Rana finally had Starc top-edging a short ball to finish with an impressive three-wicket haul.
Brief Scores
India 1st innings: 150
Australia 1st innings: 104 (Jasprit Bumrah 5/30, Harshit Rana 3/48).
India 2nd innings: 172/0 (Yashasvi Jaiswal batting 90, KL Rahul batting 62).
Match situation: India lead by 216 runs.
1st Test to continue on Day 3.
