Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul have solidified India's stand on Day 2 of the Perth Test which is being played at the Optus Stadium. Both batters smashed their respective half-centuries and joined a massive opening partnership that left the host side frustrated. None of their tactics could provide them with the breakthrough.
India bowl out Australia for 104 runs
After returning overnight, Starc took constant pressure from India's bowlers, taking hits to the shoulder and helmet but not giving up. Because of his perseverance and Hazlewood's prudence, the Indian attack had to bowl an extra 18 overs to get rid of the two. Starc and Hazlewood had previously teamed together to use the bat to irritate India.
The 25-run stand between Starc and Hazlewood for the 10th wicket helped the Aussies cross the 100-run mark but despite it India managed to get a lead of 46 runs. Bumrah was once again the highlight as he picked up a stunning fifer and got support from Harshit Rana who got three wickets and Mohammed Siraj who settled with two wickets.
Jaiswal-Rahul's ultimate stand
India had a major boost on their hand with a 46-run lead. However, they still needed a good start to avoid what happened in the first inning and this time it was ensured by both Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. Both of them joined 172 runs by stumps and extended India's lead to 218 runs.
The way both of them demonstrated their composure and progressed the scoreboard it did not appear as if it was the same pitch where earlier India and Australia got all out for 150 and 104 respectively in the first innings. Cummins have used 7 bowlers till now and even made Labuschagne and Head in order to get the breakthrough but none of it seemed to work in the favour of the hosts.
India would be eyeing to continue this partnership and reach a massive total and on the other hand, Aussies will eye to get the much-needed breakthrough. They will have to pull some rabbit out of the hat or this pair will take the game too far from them.
