India Dominates First Test Against Australia, Yashasvi Jaiswal Nears Century
KL Rahul Regains Form with an Unbeaten Half-Century, Jasprit Bumrah Shines with Five Wickets
Pramod
Perth, Australia - Team India has taken control of the first Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth’s Optus Stadium. After dismissing Australia for 104 in the first innings, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (90*) and KL Rahul (62*) put on an unbeaten 172-run stand, giving India a lead of 218 runs at the end of Day 2. Jaiswal is closing in on a century, while Rahul’s form has been a big boost for the visitors.
This partnership marks the highest opening stand at Optus Stadium and has the potential to break the 38-year-old record of 191 runs by Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth in Australia.
Australia Struggles in First Innings
The Australian innings, which resumed at 67/7, wrapped up at 104, with Jasprit Bumrah taking five wickets and debutant Harshit Rana picking up three. Despite resistance from Mitchell Starc (26) and Josh Hazlewood (7*), the final wicket partnership of 25 couldn’t save the hosts.
India’s Commanding Batting Response
In response, India’s openers batted patiently on a pitch that eased out as the game progressed. Jaiswal smashed two sixes and seven fours, while Rahul hit four boundaries during his half-century. With no wickets lost, India is eyeing a massive target, possibly over 450, to put the match beyond Australia’s reach.
Moments of the Day:
- Bumrah’s five-for set the tone, dismissing Alex Carey with his first ball of the day.
- Harshit Rana claimed three crucial wickets, including the dangerous Nathan Lyon.
- Starc and Hazlewood frustrated Indian bowlers but eventually fell to India’s relentless attack.
The match now tilts heavily in India’s favor, with Australia needing a monumental effort to stay in the contest.
