Sun Nov 24 03:20:00 UTC 2024: ## India Dominates Day Two of Perth Test, Building Commanding Lead Against Australia

**Perth, Australia:** India took complete control of the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia on day two, thanks to a stunning bowling performance followed by an unbeaten opening partnership.

After bundling out Australia for a paltry 104 in their first innings (Jasprit Bumrah taking a five-wicket haul (5/30)), India’s openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal (90*) and KL Rahul (62*), put on an unassailable 172-run partnership without losing a wicket, ending the day with a commanding 218-run lead.

Australia’s first innings collapse was a stark contrast to India’s first innings total of 150. While the Australian lower order, notably the Starc-Hazlewood partnership, showed some resistance, Bumrah’s early wickets of key batsmen like Carey (21) and Lyon (5) set the tone for India’s dominance. The Australian tail offered little resistance, with their innings ending in just over 51 overs.

India’s batting resurgence on day two was attributed to a change in weather conditions. The sunny conditions dried out the pitch, making it more conducive to batting after the first day’s overcast weather had favored the fast bowlers. This, coupled with pre-play rolling of the pitch, created a more batting-friendly surface.

Jaiswal and Rahul played cautiously, prioritizing wicket survival over aggressive strokeplay. Despite their measured approach, both batsmen hit some eye-catching boundaries, with Rahul’s straight drive being highlighted as the shot of the day.

The contrasting performances between the two days highlighted the impact of weather and pitch conditions. While the first day saw 17 wickets fall, only 3 wickets were lost on day two.

Bumrah’s five-wicket haul in the first innings matched Kapil Dev’s record for most five-wicket hauls in an innings in Australia, placing him at the top among Indian players. Jaiswal also set a new record for most sixes in a calendar year in Test cricket.

With a massive lead and the pitch potentially becoming more favorable for spin bowlers in the coming days, India are well-placed to win the first Test and take an early lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

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