Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are the first Indian duo in 20 years to stitch a 100-run partnership for the first wicket in Test cricket in Australia.
The last Indian openers achieved this feat in Australia was 2004 when Virender Sehwag and Akash Chopra added 123 runs for the first wicket in Sydney.
The century stand between Jaiswal and Rahul is only the sixth instance where India has added 100 or more runs for the first wicket in Test cricket in Australia.
India’s opening stand crosses 100 as Yashasvi Jaiswal brings up his fifty 👏#WTC25 | #AUSvIND ➡️ https://t.co/gqE9Xm53f2 pic.twitter.com/QhalQJ1VZj
— ICC (@ICC) November 23, 2024
After a disappointing display in the first innings of the first test in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, the Indian batters came back strong in the second innings to honour the efforts of their bowlers, which helped the visitors to gain the 46-run lead.
Sunil Gavaskar and Srikkanth currently hold the record with 191 run stand in the 1986 Sydney Test. They cross and 150 runs partnership and are in verge of surpassing the highest runs against Australia.
Earlier this day, India’s stand in skipper Jasprit Bumrah completely swifted Australia’s batting line up with his 11th test five wicket haul. Accompanied by Harshit Rana and Siraj, Bumrah’s side bowled out the hosts for 104 runs before the lunch with Mitchell Starc scoring 26 runs.
Earlier on day 01, Responding to India’s 150 runs, Australia started their innings but the hosts’ batting line up was collapsed by Indian bowlers.
The collapse was followed by Jasprit Bumrah‘s stunning claim on three wickets of Ushman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney and Steven Smith. Meanwhile, Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj joined Bumrah to create destruction in Australia’s batting line up.
Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney opened the innings, but the debutant has been the prey for Bumrah as he lost his wicket for 10 runs. Meanwhile Labuschagne survived after Virat Kohli dropped a catch.
However, Steven Smith was sent out on a golde duck by Bumrah as the side lost the third wicket for 19 runs. Siraj picked his wicket on a lbw while Usman Khawaja scored 8 runs.
After Travis Head‘s dismissal for 11 runs by Rana, Siraj picked the wicket of Marsh for 11 runs. With, Australia losing wickets at regular interval, Alex Carey was the one standing at the crease with 19 runs by the end of day 01.
With India secured a 46 run lead, Australia would be missing opportunity lead and the strong platform laid by their openers put them in command heading into Day 03. The team will aim to build on the foundation set by Jaiswal and Rahul while Australia will be relying on their pace attack at the Perth Stadium.
