On the second day of the first Test, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul’s solid half-century innings, along with an unbroken 172-run partnership for the first wicket, helped India make a strong start in their second innings, taking a total lead of 218 runs. Earlier, acting captain Jasprit Bumrah achieved the feat of taking five wickets in an innings for the 11th time, dismissing Australia for just 104 runs. India, which had scored 150 runs in the first innings, gained a lead of 46 runs.

Jaiswal and Rahul Build Strong Partnership with Patient Batting on Day 2

While Jaiswal learned from his mistakes in the first innings and played patiently, Rahul demonstrated his technical skills again. Both batted in classic Test cricket style, respecting the good balls and punishing the loose ones. At the end of the second day’s play, Jaiswal was on 90 runs off 193 balls, with seven fours and two sixes. Rahul, who was a victim of a controversial third-umpire decision in the first innings, had scored 62 runs off 153 balls, including four fours.

Pitch Conditions and Batting Ease

In the second innings, the grass on the pitch had dried up, and cracks started to appear, which reduced the assistance for the bowlers and made it easier for the batsmen to play their strokes. Australian captain Pat Cummins tried seven bowlers but couldn’t break the concentration of Rahul and Jaiswal.

Jaiswal’s Half-Century and Patience

Jaiswal completed his half-century after tea in 123 balls, making it his slowest half-century in 15 Tests. This shows that as a batsman, he is not only fearless but also adaptable to the conditions. A target of over 300 on this pitch won’t be easy, and as the cracks increase, Washington Sundar could prove to be effective.

Jaiswal and Rahul Played a Marathon Innings, Extend India’s Lead to 218 Runs
Jaiswal and Rahul Played a Marathon Innings, Extending India’s Lead to 218 Runs

Rahul and Jaiswal’s Impressive Batting

In the first innings, Rahul, controversially given out, played a magnificent on-drive off Cummins, and Jaiswal showed great maturity, hitting Mitchell Starc for a boundary through covers. The Indian batsmen’s confidence was evident. Jaiswal, starting with a defensive approach, troubled the Australian bowlers and fearlessly hit a boundary over mid-wicket off Starc.

Bumrah’s Five-Wicket Haul and Harshit Rana’s Impressive Debut

Earlier, Bumrah achieved his 11th five-wicket haul in an innings, and debutant Harshit Rana bowled a superb first spell, helping India bowl Australia out for 104 in the first innings. Australia’s last pair, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood delayed India’s victory by adding 25 runs in 18 overs. India had a lead of 46 runs when Australia lost nine wickets for just 79. The Indian Skipper took five wickets for 30 runs in 18 overs, including the key dismissal of Alex Carey caught behind by Rishabh Pant. With this, Bumrah became only the second bowler after Kapil Dev to take five wickets in an innings nine times outside Asia. On the Other side, Harshit took 3 wickets for 48 runs from 15.2 overs. He used short deliveries effectively, with Nathan Lyon caught by Rahul in the gully.

Jaiswal and Rahul Lead India’s Charge

At the end of Day 2, Jaiswal was on 90* from 193 balls, and Rahul had scored 62 from 153 balls. India’s lead had increased to 218 runs.

Scores at a glance

India’s Score: 150 & 172/2 (Jaiswal 90*, Rahul 62; Hazlewood 0/9)
Australia’s First Innings: 104 in 51.2 overs (Starc 26, Carey 21, Head 11, McSweeney 10; Bumrah 5/30, Harshit 3/48, Siraj 2/20).

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