India Extends Significant Lead Over Australia in First Test

Border-Gavaskar Trophy, first Test, day two, Perth India 150 (Hazlewood 4-29) & 172-0 (Jaiswal 90*, Rahul 62*) Australia 104 (Bumrah 5-30) India lead by 218 runs India’s opening batsmen solidified their strong position against Australia on the second day of the first Test in Perth, achieving an unbroken century partnership. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul led the visiting team to a score of 172 for no loss at the end of play, establishing a 218-run lead. Jaiswal, making his debut appearance in Australia, remained unbeaten on 90 runs, while Rahul, stepping in as opener due to regular captain Rohit Sharma’s absence in India following the birth of his second child, was at 62 not out. The pair demonstrated patience and defensive solidity, subsequently capitalizing on any wide deliveries or inaccuracies in length. This occurred on a pitch that presented significantly less challenge compared to the first day, which saw 17 wickets fall. Australia was dismissed for 104 runs during the initial session, resulting in a first-innings deficit of 46 runs. Resuming their innings at 67 for 7, Jasprit Bumrah secured his five-wicket haul by dismissing Alex Carey with his first delivery of the day. Nathan Lyon’s wicket followed shortly thereafter, though Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood managed to bat for 110 balls, contributing 25 runs. The Optus Stadium in Perth has hosted only four prior Test matches, all of which Australia has won after batting first. To maintain this undefeated record at the venue, Australia will require a robust performance on the third day. On day one, India had been reduced to 59 for 5 by the new ball, and Australia to 59 for 7. That initial bowling spell was considered vital against what was perceived as a vulnerable Indian batting order. However, Jaiswal and Rahul’s exceptional partnership, executed with excellent judgment and timing, has temporarily alleviated those concerns. The batsmen absorbed pressure from the new ball and during a strong bowling spell by Hazlewood after the tea break, yet they also accelerated their scoring when opportunities arose. Rahul displayed resilience, hitting only four boundaries, whereas Jaiswal showcased glimpses of his attacking style, especially after reaching his half-century in 123 balls, which marked his slowest in Test cricket to date. Jaiswal executed a magnificent six over square leg off Starc, followed by a powerful 100-meter six down the ground against off-spinner Nathan Lyon. The 22-year-old also demonstrated his temperament by engaging in banter with Starc regarding his bowling speed when India’s score was 72 for no loss. Earlier, Starc had exchanged light-hearted remarks with Indian seamer Nitish Rana, stating: “I bowl faster than you, I have a long memory,” after successfully defending against a bouncer while batting. Jaiswal commented “it’s coming too slow” to left-arm seamer Starc, who responded with a smirk. Former Australian batsman Mike Hussey, commenting on TNT Sports, expressed strong admiration for Jaiswal, remarking: “I wanted to see him in Australia, on bouncy pitches, to see how he’d handle it, but this innings shows he can handle any conditions around the world.'” Australia’s bowling attack, particularly on home soil, is seldom neutralized. Their fast bowlers are considered among the sport’s elite, and Lyon is widely regarded as the world’s premier spinner. Despite this, they induced Rahul’s outside edge four times, but on each occasion, the ball landed safely before reaching the slip fielders. Jaiswal offered the only clear opportunity, edging Starc to Usman Khawaja at first slip. Initial uncertainty surrounded whether the catch was taken cleanly, but subsequent replays indicated Khawaja misjudged the ball, which passed beneath his fingertips. A partial run-out opportunity arose on the subsequent delivery when Rahul took off quickly from the non-striker’s end, but Steve Smith’s throw lacked the accuracy required for Lyon to complete the dismissal. Australia exerted considerable effort and succeeded in maintaining a run-rate of 3.01, though they might have benefited from a more aggressive approach with short-pitched deliveries. Historical trends appear to be unfavorable for Australia, but they can find encouragement in the West Indies’ score of 333 runs in the fourth innings at this venue in 2022, albeit in a losing effort. To pursue a target within that range, Australia must secure early wickets on the third day. Australian opener Nathan McSweeney, speaking to ABC, commented: “It definitely hasn’t gone to plan in the past couple of days. We’ve got some serious work to do to get back into this Test. It looks like it is getting easier to bat so hopefully we get early wickets tomorrow and get batting.” He added: “It is definitely a new-ball wicket. All the damage was done before we could get through to the 35-40-over mark with the bat, so the the trick will be nullifying the new ball and having batters in for the 40-80-over mark.” Former Australia head coach Darren Lehmann, also on ABC, stated: “It was a tough day, but hats off to the two Indian batters. They were excellent today and weathered the storm and they got to the stage where they could take the game on.” Lehmann further remarked: “India are well ahead of the game. The wicket has settled down a little bit but that is more because the Australia bowlers were tired from the first innings and having to bat two hours today.”