Perth Test: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal partner their way into record books

Defying the ghosts of a horrible start, India has gained a foothold in the opening Test of the BGT in Perth. Bumrah elected to bat first on the fiery Perth track against a lethal Australian pace attack featuring Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins. Starc and Hazlewood proved too hot to handle for the Indian batters, as the innings folded for just 150 runs. However, once Bumrah stepped onto the turf, Perth seemed to bow to his command, with the skipper claiming four wickets. The unmissable action on Day 1 of the Border Gavaskar Test saw 17 wickets fall. Returning to bat on the second day, the opening duo of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal successfully found their footing, extending India's lead over the hosts.

Perth Test: KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal set up a commanding partnership over Australia on Day 2

After India wrapped up Australia's innings for 104, securing a 46-run lead, the Perth pitch eased significantly. Jaiswal, who was the first to depart in the opening innings, quickly put that setback behind him to deliver a brilliant performance in his second outing. At the other end, KL Rahul held steady, providing seamless support as Australia's bowlers struggled to make an impact on Day 2. Displaying remarkable composure and awareness, the Indian opening pair extended the 46-run lead beyond 200, returning to the dugout unbeaten at stumps on Saturday. Hazlewood, who had claimed four wickets in the first innings, looked ineffective as his efforts, along with those of Starc and Cummins, failed to trouble Jaiswal and Rahul.

Jaiswal played against his true aggressive nature and Rahul batted patiently to push Australia on the backfoot early in the innings. As the conditions transitioned to favor them better, the batters capitalized with some impressive shot making. Especially eye-catching was Rahul's straight drive to Pat Cummins. The shot came off smoothly against the bat as Rahul displayed a perfect drive. Jaiswal, on the other hand, listened to his natural game, as he played an uppercut off a short ball from the Australian captain.

Rahul became just the second batter after Virender Sehwag to feature in three 100-plus opening partnerships in SENA countries since 2000. Jaiswal reached his half-century first, off 120 balls, his ninth in the format, and Rahul followed suit in 124 balls. Jaiswal also launched Starc for a six and exchanged words with the fast bowler. Later, he struck another six off Lyon, his 34th in the format this season, to break the record for most sixes in Tests in a calendar year.

At stumps on the second day, India had surpassed their first-innings total with 172 runs on the board. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal remained unbeaten at 62 (153) and 90 (193), respectively, giving India a commanding 218-run lead over the Kangaroos. Moreover, the unbroken 172-run opening partnership between Rahul and Jaiswal is now the second-highest for India in Tests on Australian soil.