India tightened their grip on the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul leading a commanding response to Australia’s low first-innings total. By stumps on the second day at Optus Stadium, India reached 172 for 0, extending their lead to 218 runs.
Jaiswal, who closed in on a century, remained unbeaten on 90, while Rahul contributed a steady 62 not out. The duo batted through two full sessions, negating Australia’s pace attack under sunnier, more favorable conditions. Their unbroken stand of 172 surpassed the total runs scored by either side in the first innings.
Steady Start After First-Innings Turmoil
India began their second innings after securing a surprising 46-run lead, the fifth-highest for any team scoring 150 or less in their first innings. Jaiswal, after being dismissed for a duck in his first Test innings on Australian soil, batted with assurance. He alternated between solid defense and controlled aggression, displaying textbook strokes alongside occasional flair, such as an uppercut off Pat Cummins and a six over long-on off Nathan Lyon.
Rahul provided the perfect foil, playing a calm anchor role. He combined with Jaiswal to frustrate Australia's bowlers, who struggled to replicate their opening-day success.
Australia’s Struggles
The Australian attack appeared fatigued, with the pitch offering less assistance. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood failed to trouble the Indian openers, while skipper Pat Cummins, in his first red-ball game since March, seemed undercooked, conceding 44 runs in 13 overs. Fielding lapses, including a dropped catch by Usman Khawaja and a missed run-out opportunity, further compounded Australia’s woes.
Earlier: Bumrah Shines as Australia Collapses
Jasprit Bumrah’s 5 for 30 led the charge as Australia was bowled out for 104 by lunch. It marked their fourth-lowest Test total against India and ninth-lowest at home since 1900. Bumrah dismissed Alex Carey on the first ball of the day, setting the tone for a dominant Indian morning.
Debutant Harshit Rana impressed with hostile short-pitched bowling, claiming Nathan Lyon’s wicket. Despite a late 26-run last-wicket partnership between Starc (26) and Hazlewood, Australia narrowly avoided their lowest-ever score against India.
With their strong position, India now looks poised to dictate terms in the remainder of the match.
Updated on 23rd November, 2024 by MyFortune11 Team