AUS vs IND Day 2 Highlights | 1st Test of Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024- 25

India extended their control over the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a commanding performance on Day 2 at the Perth Stadium. After bowling out Australia for 104 in the morning, the Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul stole the spotlight, batting through the entire day to put their team in a dominant position.

India 1st Innings: 150 all out (49.4 overs; R Pant 37, N Reddy 41; J Hazlewood 4-29, M Starc 2-14)
Australia 1st Innings: 104 all out (51.2 overs; A Carey 21, M Starc 26; J Bumrah 5-30, H Rana 3-48)
India 2nd Innings: 172/0 (57 overs; Y Jaiswal 90*, KL Rahul 62*; Extras 20)

Day 2: Stumps – India lead by 218 runs

Australia's Collapse Continues

Resuming at 67/7, Australia’s hopes of a lower-order revival rested on Mitchell Starc (26) and Josh Hazlewood (7*). However, Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana cleaned up the tail swiftly. Starc resisted valiantly, but the Australian innings folded for just 104, handing India a crucial first-innings lead of 46. Bumrah’s fiery spell saw him finish with a remarkable 5/30, while Rana impressed with figures of 3/48.

Jaiswal and Rahul Shine Under the Sun

India’s second innings was a masterclass in patience and resilience as Yashasvi Jaiswal (90*) and KL Rahul (62*) stitched an unbroken 172-run partnership. The duo displayed immense discipline, especially during the second session, where they batted out Australia’s dry bowling tactics.

Jaiswal curbed his natural attacking instincts, building a well-constructed innings highlighted by 7 fours and 2 sixes. Rahul, meanwhile, anchored the innings with his trademark calmness. The pair batted through two sessions becoming the first Indian pair since Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli in 2018 to do so in a SENA Test before accelerating in the final session.

Variable Bounce Adds Intrigue

While the pitch flattened out significantly compared to Day 1, signs of variable bounce emerged late in the day. A few deliveries kept low, hinting at challenges awaiting the batters in the later stages of the game.

With a lead of 218 and ten wickets in hand, India is in a commanding position. Day 3 will see Jaiswal eyeing a maiden century in overseas Tests, while Australia will need a herculean effort to claw their way back into the contest.