The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Optus Stadium in Perth has witnessed a gripping contest between India and Australia. As Day 2 progressed into India’s second innings, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul shone brightly, both scoring crucial fifties to strengthen India’s position in the match.
Under Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership, India looks to maintain their dominance and keep Australia on the back foot as Day 2 of the first Test unfolds at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday, November 23. After being bowled out for 150 in their first innings, India’s bowlers put on a commanding display, reducing Australia to 67/7. Bumrah led the charge with a four-wicket haul, while Mohammed Siraj and debutant Harshit Rana provided crucial breakthroughs. On Day 2, Australia’s lower-order partnership between Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc added valuable runs, with Starc top-scoring with 26 off 112 balls before falling to Rana. Australia eventually folded for 104, giving India a 46-run lead.
India began their second innings with a solid and composed start, as both openers scored impressive fifties with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring 50* off 123 balls and KL Rahul scoring 50* off 124 balls. Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 68 off 163 balls, striking six boundaries and one six at a strike rate of 41.71, when KL Rahul joined him with a steady 50* off 124 deliveries, including four boundaries, maintaining a strike rate of 40.32. The duo built a crucial unbeaten partnership of 128 runs, guiding India to 128/0 at a run rate of 2.70 after 47.2 overs, setting a strong platform for the innings ahead. Extras contributed 10 runs to the total.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has emerged as one of the top performers in Test cricket in 2024, with over 1100 runs, trailing only Joe Root’s 1338. Jaiswal has had a stellar year, now leading with 10 fifty-plus scores in Tests this calendar year. His latest half-century in the Perth Test against Australia saw him bounce back strongly after an eight-ball duck in the first innings. Root, with nine fifty-plus scores, remains the leading run-getter and looks to add more in England’s upcoming series against New Zealand.
Players with the most fifty-plus scores in Tests in 2024
Yashasvi Jaiswal- 10 fifty-plus scores in 12* matches
Joe Root- 9 fifty-plus scores in 14 matches
Kamindu Mendis- 8 fifty-plus scores in 7 matches
Ben Duckett- 7 fifty-plus scores in 14 matches
Dinesh Chandimal- 6 fifty-plus scores in 8 matches