AUS vs IND: 1st Test, Day 2 Review – Jaiswal and Rahul wear down Australia’s resistance
The second day of the first Test match of the highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-24 at the Optus Stadium in Perth went in India’s favor after the end of the day’s play. The visitors continued to bat from their overnight score of 67/7. Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah gave a breakthrough in his first over by removing the dangerous wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey. Though Mitchell Starc spent considerable time at the pitch but was eventually dismissed by debutant Harshit Rana, as the Aussies were bundled out for 104 and were trailing by 46 runs. Later Indian openers, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal batted for the remaining day and stitched a crucial unbeaten stand of 172 and extended their lead to 218 runs.
3. Australia fail to take the lead despite bowling India for 150 in the first innings
With the first day witnessing 17 wickets fall in total, Day 2 just witnessed three batters walking back to the dressing room. The Australian pace battery, disappointed the spectators as they could not contain the Indian batters on the second day. Skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Mitchell Marsh all had an economy of over three, while Josh Hazelwood looked in control, but went wicketless after 57 overs of play. What looked like a good pitch to get some early wickets, the Indian batters tackled the challenge well and looked to continue their onslaught in the match.
2. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal toil Australia
KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal displayed batting brilliance in Perth, taking India to 172 for no loss at the stumps on day two. The duo’s unbroken partnership, spanning over 57 overs, saw them easily adapting to the Australian conditions. Jaiswal, learning from his first-innings mistakes, remained unbeaten 90. His calculated aggression and improved shot selection are reflected in his innings. Meanwhile, Rahul (62*) showed why India has faith in him. The pair’s strategy was to absorb pressure early and capitalise on scoring opportunities through quick singles.
1. Jasprit Bumrah picks 11th fifer
Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling was at full display as he claimed his 11th Test five-wicket haul and third in Australia. Standing in as India’s captain in Rohit Sharma’s absence, Bumrah delivered a spell that has become the town’s talk. After India’s decent first innings total of 150, Bumrah took the onus into his own hands. His pace and lengths dismantled Australia’s batting lineup, finishing Day 1 with figures of 4-17 in 10 overs. The speedster continued his dominance on Day 2, dismissing Alex Carey with his first delivery to complete his fifer. His victims included Australian batters Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, captain Pat Cummins, and debutant Nathan McSweeney.
