On the second day of the first Test at Optus Stadium, India dominated with solid batting, thanks to the brilliance of Jaiswal and Rahul. The opening duo remained unbeaten, guiding India to 172 for no loss in the second innings and extending the lead to 218 runs. Their partnership left Australia struggling to catch up after being bowled out for 104 earlier in the day.
Jaiswal and Rahul Shine with Stunning Batting Display
Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (90*) and K.L. Rahul (62*) led the charge. Their unbeaten partnership set the stage for India’s strong position, leaving Australia struggling to catch up.
India’s second innings started on a cautious note. Jaiswal survived an early scare when a shot off Mitchell Starc narrowly avoided a fielder. Rahul quickly calmed him down, and both players found their rhythm. Jaiswal played some elegant flicks and cuts, while Rahul supported with steady, precise strokes. Australia’s bowlers, including captain Pat Cummins and Starc, tried everything, even using part-timers like Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head, but nothing worked.
After tea, Jaiswal reached his half-century, and India’s total crossed 100. There were moments of tension — Jaiswal edged Starc, but Usman Khawaja reacted too late, and Rahul almost got run out. Eventually, Rahul also brought up his fifty. Jaiswal hit two spectacular sixes as the day ended, celebrating India’s dominance.
Australia First Inning Summary
Earlier in the day, Australia resumed its first innings at 67 for seven. Jasprit Bumrah struck early, dismissing Alex Carey. However, Mitchell Starc showed resilience. He batted patiently and added 25 runs with Josh Hazlewood for the last wicket.
Harshit Rana impressed with his speed, taking two wickets, including a sharp delivery that dismissed Nathan Lyon. Starc fought on, even after being hit on the helmet by Harshit, before falling for 26 when he mistimed a shot just before lunch. Australia’s innings ended at 104, giving India a 46-run lead.
India built on this advantage throughout the day, putting itself in a commanding position in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener.