Rahul-Yashasvi 1st Indian opening pair since 2004 to stitch 100-run stand in Australia
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul became India’s first opening pair since 2004 to record a century stand in Test cricket on Australian soil on Day 2 of the Perth Test.
Rahul-Jaiswal’s superb century partnership in India’s second innings was the first such achievement since Virender Sehwag and Akash Chopra’s 123-run stand in Sydney during the 2004 series.
Their effort is only the sixth instance of Indian openers posting a 100-plus partnership in Test cricket in Australia. It further solidified India’s dominant position in the match, as they ended the day with a lead exceeding 140 runs, following a stellar bowling performance spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah.
Jaiswal, playing in only his second overseas Test, showcased remarkable composure, adapting from his first-innings struggles to remain unbeaten on 51 off 88 balls. His strokeplay combined caution with aggression, including a stunning ramp shot off Mitchell Starc and a powerful whip over midwicket, epitomizing the confidence of India’s young brigade. At one point, his cheeky comment to Starc, “You are slow,” drew both laughter and admiration.
At the other end, Rahul anchored the innings with a controlled 41 not out. His on-drive off Pat Cummins was hailed as the shot of the day, highlighting his technical precision and maturity. Rahul’s decision to avoid the front-foot press across the off-stump, which had troubled him in the past, allowed him to balance offense and defense seamlessly. The partnership still has a chance to surpass the highest-ever first-wicket partnership by India in Australia—191 runs by Sunil Gavaskar and Krishnamachari Srikkanth in Sydney in 1986. If Jaiswal and Rahul continue their form on Day 3, they could rewrite the record books.
Full List of 100-Plus First-Wicket Stands for India in Australia (Test Cricket)
| Partners | Runs | Innings | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM Gavaskar, K Srikkanth | 191 | 1 | Sydney | 02-Jan-1986 |
| CPS Chauhan, SM Gavaskar | 165 | 3 | Melbourne | 07-Feb-1981 |
| A Chopra, V Sehwag | 141 | 1 | Melbourne | 26-Dec-2003 |
| MH Mankad, CT Sarwate | 124 | 2 | Melbourne | 01-Jan-1948 |
| A Chopra, V Sehwag | 123 | 1 | Sydney | 02-Jan-2004 |
| Y Jaiswal, KL Rahul | 100* | 3 | Perth | 23-Nov-2024 |
Earlier in the day, Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah dismantled the Australian batting lineup with his 11th Test five-wicket haul. His spell was complemented by debutant Harshit Rana, who troubled the Australian top order with his pace and precision. Australia were bowled out for 104, with Mitchell Starc (26 not out) and Josh Hazlewood (7 not out) frustrating the Indian bowlers in a gritty last-wicket stand of 25 runs.
While India secured a 46-run first-innings lead, the team would rue missing the opportunity to build a larger cushion. India’s second-innings lead and the strong platform laid by their openers put them in command heading into Day 3. The team will aim to build on the foundation set by Jaiswal and Rahul, while Australia will rely on their world-class pace attack to claw back into the game.