1st Test: Old-school Jaiswal, Rahul enjoy Perth pitch mood swing, grind down Australia
KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal's classic fifties propelled India to a commanding position, extending the lead beyond 218 runs by stumps on Day 2 in Perth. Earlier, the bowlers dominated the first two sessions, tightening India's grip on the game.
by Saurabh Kumar · India TodayIn Short
- Rahul, Jaiswal push India's lead to 218 on Day 2
- Jaiswal-Rahul recorded a century stand in Perth Test
- Australia were bowled out for 105 in morning session
The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth’s Optus Stadium continues to unfold with contrasting narratives, as India wrestled control on Day 2 after a chaotic opening day. After a frenetic first day that saw 17 wickets tumble, Day 2 showcased a different rhythm as Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul produced a gritty, old-school batting display to grind down Australia.
Day 1 felt like a wicket could fall every other ball, keeping the crowd glued to their seats. The atmosphere was tense and pensive. However, Australia couldn’t replicate their bowling success from the first morning, as none of their bowlers managed to break through the Indian opening stand. The sun shone brightly—both literally and metaphorically—on India, with significantly less seam movement for the Aussie bowlers in the second innings.
AUS vs IND, 1st Test: Full Scorecard
KL Rahul began cautiously, expertly playing inside the line of the ball to avoid edges. Even when the pacers induced nicks, they fell short of the slip cordon, thanks to his soft hands. Yashasvi Jaiswal was equally disciplined, avoiding deliveries outside the fourth and fifth stump channel. India's first innings lasted just 49.4 overs, while Australia's reply stretched to 51.2 overs on Day 1 and the morning session of Day 2. Meanwhile, India's opening stand in the last two sessions has lasted over 57 overs, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Perth pitch and beauty of Test cricket.
RAHUL-JAISWAL GRIND DOWN AUSTRALIA
After 17 wickets fell on day one, few could have predicted India would get through two entire sessions unscathed. Yet Rahul (62*) and Jaiswal (90*) batted beautifully, taking India to 172 for no loss at stumps on day two, effectively 218 runs ahead. The conditions seemed to have eased, and Australia’s bowlers appeared fatigued after being pressed back into action so soon after dismissing India for 150. The introduction of Marnus Labuschagne’s medium-pace bouncers late in the day highlighted Australia’s frustration.
The Indian pair progressed confidently, taking calculated risks against Pat Cummins and running smartly between the wickets to keep the scoreboard ticking. Despite their efforts, Australia’s search for a breakthrough remained fruitless, even with Labuschagne’s experimental over before the break. Batting wasn’t easy, but Jaiswal’s growth was evident. Having learned from his first-innings mistakes, he refrained from pushing hard at the ball.
When he calmly guided a short delivery to point early on, Rahul’s reassuring gesture seemed to say, “Keep it up—that’s the way.” India’s strategy mirrored their first-innings intent: absorb the new-ball pressure and respond with quick singles. With only four fielders stationed in front of the wicket on either side, their deliberate tapping and running reflected growing confidence in handling the pitch’s pace and bounce.
Jaiswal brought up his fifty in 123 balls, showcasing remarkable determination, while Rahul followed with a half-century off 124 deliveries. For Rahul, this knock marked a significant return to form in Test cricket after a prolonged lean patch. India will now look to build a formidable lead and set a challenging target for the Aussies.
Jaiswal reached his milestone with a drive to sweeper cover off Nathan Lyon, and Rahul soon raised the century opening stand in the same over. Notably, Jaiswal equaled the record for the most sixes scored in a calendar year in Tests during this match at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Rahul batted beautifully in both innings of this Test. Despite inconsistent performances, India always trusted in his technical quality and versatile range of shots. While the future remains uncertain, this knock stands as one of the high points of his Test career.
STARC-HAZLEWOOD FRUSTRATE INDIA
Resuming at 76/8, Australia’s hopes of eking out more runs rested on Alex Carey and the tail. However, Bumrah, continuing his impeccable form, struck early in the day, dismissing Carey with a delivery that climbed sharply off a back-of-a-length spot, producing a healthy edge to Rishabh Pant behind the stumps.
At 79/9, India appeared poised for a substantial lead, but Mitchell Starc (26 off 113 balls) and Josh Hazlewood (7* off 31 balls) had other plans. The pair displayed remarkable grit, adding 25 runs for the last wicket in 18 overs, frustrating the Indian bowlers. Starc showed commendable defensive technique, shielding Hazlewood and ensuring Australia reduced the deficit.
India’s skipper Jasprit Bumrah showcased his mastery once again, claiming figures of 5/30 in 18 overs. His 11th Test five-wicket haul was a reminder of his ability to lead from the front under pressure. Bumrah’s sharp lines and controlled aggression kept Australia’s batters in check, his celebrations muted but purposeful as he maintained focus on the task.