The conditions in Perth shifted dramatically on Day 2, paving the way for a stellar performance from India’s openers. After skittling Australia for a paltry 104, India ended the day at 172/0, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (90*) and KL Rahul (62*) forging a commanding partnership. The visitors now enjoy a substantial 218-run lead on a pitch expected to deteriorate with variable bounce in the coming days.
Batting conditions improved significantly under the blazing sun as the pitch flattened, and the Indian duo capitalised in style. Jaiswal bounced back from his first-innings duck to register his maiden fifty on Australian soil, showcasing immense patience and maturity. Rahul, continuing his purple patch, lent valuable support at the other end. Mitchell Starc tried to tempt Jaiswal into risky drives, but the young left-hander showed restraint, avoiding any lapses in concentration.
Although the Australian seamers extracted some lateral movement early on, they failed to trouble the Indian batters consistently. Skipper Pat Cummins shuffled through his pace arsenal within the first ten overs, even deploying a short-ball barrage spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood. However, neither the new-ball swing nor the short-pitched strategy yielded breakthroughs.
The shift in conditions was evident earlier when Australia’s last-wicket pair, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, frustrated India with a gritty stand. Starc top-scored with a determined 26 off 112 balls, offering a rare display of resistance against an otherwise relentless Indian attack. Jasprit Bumrah starred with the ball, finishing with figures of 5/30 in 18 overs, consistently beating the bat with pace and precision.
On the flip side, Australia’s bowling attack failed to replicate their first-day intensity. Nathan Lyon found no turn, and even part-timers Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne struggled to make an impact. Cummins continued his underwhelming form, and Australia’s inability to seize the moment has left them reeling.
With India in the driver’s seat, Day 3 promises high-stakes cricket as the visitors look to solidify their dominance and exploit a deteriorating pitch.