IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli steps inside the ground and appreciates Yashasvi Jaiswal & KL Rahul at the end of Day 2 of the Perth Test
Kohli lauds opening pair Rahul and Jaiswal (image: X)

IND vs AUS: Australia and the Indian Cricket Team are currently in the middle of the first of the five-match Test series in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul have been in sublime tough on Day 2 of the first Test in the second innings.

They have stitched together a 172-run partnership in the second innings, and India now has a lead of 218 runs going into Day 3 of the Test match. After the end of the second day’s play, when Jaiswal and Kohli were returning back to the pavilion, Virat Kohli came out and appreciated Yashasvi Jaiswal & KL Rahul.

Watch the video clip here:

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal have stitched together a 172-run partnership

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul turned India’s fortunes in the second innings (Image Credit: X.com)

Australia were bowled out for 104 runs in the first innings on Day 2, after India were bowled out for 150 runs in the first innings. Mitchell Starc was the highest scorer of the Australian innings, as he scored 26 runs off 112 deliveries. Jasprit Bumrah picked up five wickets in the first innings, Mohammed Siraj picked up two wickets, and Harshit Rana scalped three wickets.

Meanwhile, Jaiswal is batting 90 off 193 deliveries currently and Rahul is batting 62 off 153 deliveries. Both of them will look to bat deep into the third day and will want to take the lead away from Australia’s hands. The pitch seemed to ease out on Day 2 after there was less lateral movement on display. However, the weather is set to be hot on the third day, and hence the cracks are set to open up. This might increase variable bounce and lateral movement off the pitch. So, it sets up for an exciting play on the third day of the Test match.

Just like the usual behaviour of a drop pitch, the Perth pitch has changed significantly from Day 1, as the lateral movement and sudden bounce and carry seemed to have evaporated from the track just within the span of a session. The seam movement reduced significantly especially as the ball got older, as Indian batters scored runs with an easy flow, further after Tea in the last session of the game.

ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Marnus Labuschagne’s dismal display in Perth: The slowest innings by an Australian in Test cricket as Aussies end Day 1 on 67/7