Australia vs India, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 1st Test Day 2: Rahul, Jaiswal Dominate as IND Lead by 218 at Stumps

Australia vs India: India dominates Day 2 of the 1st Test, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, with Rahul and Jaiswal’s record 172-run partnership securing a commanding lead over Australia.

Australia vs India 1st Test Day 2: Rahul and Jaiswal Dominate in Perth

Day 2 of the first Test between Australia and India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 turned into a nightmare for Australia’s bowlers as India’s KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal forged a monumental opening partnership. Playing on a challenging Perth pitch, the duo’s unbeaten 172-run stand has placed India in a commanding position with a lead of 218 runs at stumps.

A Historic Partnership

Facing one of the most potent bowling lineups in cricket history—comprising Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon—Rahul and Jaiswal made history:

• Record Stand: The duo’s 172-run partnership is the highest opening stand ever against this Australian bowling attack on their home turf.
• Longest Resistance: Batting for 57 overs, they surpassed previous records, showing immense patience and skill.
• Rare Feat: Only twice before has any opening pair managed to cross the 100-run mark against this quartet.

Their partnership left the Australian bowlers frustrated, with captain Pat Cummins struggling to find breakthroughs despite frequent tactical changes.

The Stars of the Day

Yashasvi Jaiswal
The 22-year-old left-handed opener continued his meteoric rise in Test cricket with a remarkable innings:

• Dynamic Play: Jaiswal entertained the crowd with his confident stroke play, including two massive sixes—one off Starc and another off Nathan Lyon over long-on.
• Approaching a Milestone: He ended the day unbeaten on 90, just 10 runs shy of his fourth Test century in less than a year.
• New Records: Jaiswal also set a new benchmark for sixes in a calendar year in Test cricket, surpassing Brendon McCullum’s 2014 record.

KL Rahul
Stepping in for captain Rohit Sharma, who missed the match due to personal reasons, Rahul proved his worth:

• Solid Technique: Rahul countered the new Kookaburra ball and built his innings patiently.
• Key Contributions: His steady knock not only supported Jaiswal but also silenced critics after a slow start to his tour.

Rahul’s ability to anchor the innings ensured that the Indian middle order, including Virat Kohli, remained fresh and untested on Day 2.

Australia’s Struggles

The Australian bowling attack, renowned for its effectiveness, found themselves powerless on Day 2:

• Dropped Chances: Usman Khawaja dropped a straightforward chance off Jaiswal at first slip when the score was at 103, further dampening Australia’s spirits.
• Pitch Conditions: Coach Andrew McDonald admitted the flattening of the pitch made life easier for the batters, but stressed the need for better execution from his bowlers on Day 3.
• Key Factors: Despite trying various plans, including short-pitched deliveries and variations, the bowlers couldn’t disrupt India’s rhythm.

Context of the Match

India now holds a significant 218-run lead, with the opportunity to extend it further on Day 3. The Rahul-Jaiswal partnership has not only placed India in control but also shielded the middle order from facing Australia’s fresh bowling attack in tricky conditions.

Day 3 Expectations

For India, the goal will be to bat as long as possible and extend their lead to an unassailable margin. Yashasvi Jaiswal will look to convert his 90 into a century, while KL Rahul will aim for a big score to solidify his position.

Australia, on the other hand, will need early wickets to claw their way back into the game. Breaking the partnership between Jaiswal and Rahul will be their top priority, and Nathan Lyon’s role on a pitch showing signs of wear will be crucial.

Conclusion

Day 2 of the 1st Test has showcased India’s dominance, with Rahul and Jaiswal rewriting the history books. As the match progresses, the spotlight will remain on India’s ability to capitalize on their strong position and Australia’s efforts to bounce back.