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Xtra Time Web Desk: Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul made history on Day 2 of the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth, becoming the first Indian opening pair since 2004 to record a century stand in Test cricket on Australian soil. Their brilliant 100-run partnership in India’s second innings was the first of its kind since Virender Sehwag and Akash Chopra's 123-run stand in Sydney during the 2004 series. It marked only the sixth instance of Indian openers putting on a 100-plus partnership in Australia.

Jaiswal, playing only his second overseas Test, showed remarkable resilience after his first-innings struggles. He remained unbeaten on 51 off 88 balls, combining cautious defense with attacking shots, including a stunning ramp shot off Mitchell Starc and a powerful whip over midwicket. At one point, his cheeky comment to Starc, “You are slow,” drew laughs and admiration from the crowd. Rahul, at the other end, anchored the innings with an assured 41 not out. His on-drive off Pat Cummins was hailed as the shot of the day, exemplifying his technical precision and maturity. Rahul’s disciplined approach allowed him to blend offense and defense seamlessly.

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The opening stand was pivotal in India’s commanding position, with the visitors ending Day 2 with a lead exceeding 140 runs. Jaiswal and Rahul’s partnership still has a chance to surpass the highest-ever first-wicket partnership for India in Australia—191 runs by Sunil Gavaskar and Krishnamachari Srikkanth in 1986. If they continue in this vein on Day 3, they could rewrite the record books.

Earlier in the day, Jasprit Bumrah produced a clinical bowling performance, taking his 11th Test five-wicket haul as he dismantled the Australian batting lineup. Bumrah’s performance was complemented by debutant Harshit Rana, who troubled the Australian top order with pace and precision. Australia was bowled out for just 104 runs, with Mitchell Starc (26 not out) and Josh Hazlewood (7 not out) frustrating the Indian bowlers in a gritty last-wicket stand of 25 runs.

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India's 46-run first-innings lead and the strong platform laid by their openers put them in a commanding position heading into Day 3. While India will look to build on the foundation set by Jaiswal and Rahul, Australia will rely on their world-class pace attack to mount a comeback.