El plan perfecto de Perth: KL Rahul, la ‘posición de apertura superior’ de Yashaswi Jaiswal acerca a la India a una ‘victoria segura’

Is it possible to play the first two days of a Test match on two different decks? Well, it surely looks like we are witnessing two supremely different surfaces in Perth! On Day 1, bowlers ruled the roost as 17 wickets were taken. On the very next day, we have a placid Perth track that offered almost nothing. But we surely have to credit the masterclass put on by KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The duo not only put the hosts on the backfoot, but have done so much damage that it would take something outlandish from India not to win this opening BGT Test.

Jasprit Bumrah-led India wrap up AUS

The day began with Australia’s tail showing unexpected resistance, though they were eventually bowled out for 104 – their lowest first-innings total against India since 1947. The morning session saw Jasprit Bumrah completing his five-wicket haul by dismissing Alex Carey with his first delivery of the day, the ball nipping away to find the edge. Debutant Harshit Rana then removed Nathan Lyon, but the last-wicket partnership between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood provided some frustration for India, lasting 110 balls. Despite their resistance, Australia’s total of 104 gave India a valuable first-innings lead of 46 runs. It was Rana who plucked his third wicket by dismissing Starc.

More to follow…

• India are 172/0 after 57 overs, lead by 218 runs