India dominated on the second day of the first Test against Australia at Perth to take complete control of the match. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul took the glory as they batted through two full sessions without their wickets getting washed away. India were at 172 for 0 by stumps — given a lead of 218 runs — with immense pressure on the hosts. Indian openers are on display with an impeccable display of resilience and being able to cash on a good batting surface.
Jaiswal had a poor start in the first innings but counterattacked with an unbeaten 90. The composed knock included patient defense combined with authoritative stroke play, with a real highlight coming as he hit a remarkable six off Nathan Lyon. Jaiswal and KL Rahul complemented each other with steady innings. Jaiswal was left unbeaten on 62. They created a good partnership and frustrated the Australian bowlers, living up to the total of the two sides put together in the first innings.
Australia’s batting woes continued earlier in the day when they posted just 104 runs before lunch before being bowled out. Later, Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah led the attack, picking up figures of 5 for 30. But Bumrah’s exceptional pace and precision decommissioned the Australian top and middle order. Deputizing in his debut, Harshit Rana took three crucial wickets, including a sharp bouncer that had Nathan Lyon caught. Thanks to the pair’s efforts, India started a commanding lead after the first innings.
Australia’s lower order offered some resistance, with Mitchell Starc scoring 26 runs off 112 balls, the pick of the lot. With Josh Hazlewood, Starc added 26 for the last wicket to avoid Australia’s lowest-ever Tests against India. But it was little consolation as India’s bowlers continued to be relentless, and their Australian opponents were visibly rattled.
After bowling Australia out for a meager 529 in the first session on Wednesday, the Australians struggled to match their performance under better batting conditions. They used their opportunity to punish loose deliveries and wear out the opposition, as did Jaiswal and Rahul. Australia’s frustration also lay in missed chances, including a dropped catch and a botched run. As the day progressed, the hosts’ energy and aggression seemed to have dissipated.
India is on top with a commanding lead and all ten wickets intact, and it can very much go about dictating the match. Australia, meanwhile, has a mountain to climb to force its way back into the contest on the third day, with the visitors on course to seal an unassailable advantage. The hosts will have to produce a strong response if they are to salvage their chances in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
